Method and apparatus for playing multiple contests

ABSTRACT

The present invention comprises a method and game system for playing multiple contests utilizing one or more cards from a single set of cards. In one or more embodiments, the gaming system includes a game engine and an evaluator. Embodiments of the invention include an intelligent, poker playing slot machine that allows a user to play poker for money against one or more intelligent or non-intelligent, simulated opponents. In one embodiment, the gaming system includes a simulation engine which generates actions for the simulated player(s). The simulation engine allows a real person, or user, to play against intelligent, simulated opponents. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the gaming system permits a user-player to play first and second poker contests. In one embodiment, one or more cards which are dealt to a player for use in the first contest are used in the play of the second contest. In one or more embodiments, one of the contests comprises a video-poker type game. When a user-player plays against the simulated opponent, the gaming system may include a static evaluator for determining whether the user-player is a winner of the video-poker type game by comparison to predetermined criteria. Other aspects of the invention include payout and jackpot arrangements for multiple contests.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/851,255 filed on May 5, 1997.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to a game system and a method for playingmultiple contests, including card games.

[0004] 2. Background Art

[0005] Existing electronic casino games (slot machines) are available inwhich one player plays against a predetermined criteria that determineswhether the player wins. One such game that is prominent in a casino orother gaming environment is referred to as video poker. In video poker,the player is dealt a hand of cards which is evaluated against a payofftable. Thus, the player is pitted against static, predetermined handrankings. If the player's hand exceeds a threshold ranking, the playerwins the amount indicated for the threshold. The player does not playpoker against another player.

[0006] In Bridgeman et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,736, a multi-player pokerslot machine is described. One player is a person and the otherplayer(s) is simulated by the slot machine system. The real playerinitiates all of the actions in the game while the simulated playermerely responds by imitating each action of the player. There is noability or intelligence of the simulated player to develop a strategy inwhich the simulated player decides upon an action other than the oneperformed by the real player. It is therefore, impossible for thesimulated player to be the initiator of the game (i.e., make the firstmove). Further, the real player can predict with 100% accuracy the movesthat the simulated player will take thereby making it easier for thereal player to out-maneuver the simulated player.

[0007] The following provides a discussion of the game of poker.

Poker Basics

[0008] There are a large number of poker variations. However, certainbasic concepts apply to most types of poker.

[0009] Poker hands generally consist of five cards from a 52 card deck.There are 2,598,960 different hands. The hands are linearly ordered instrength or “rank.” There are nine general categories of hands, rankedas shown in Table 1. TABLE 1 Ranking by Categories Rank Name Example 1Straight flush J

10

9

8

7

2 Four of a kind K

K♦ K♡ K

9

3 Full house J♦ J♡ J

3

3♡ 4 Flush A

10

9

5

2

5 Straight 6♦ 5♡ 4

3

2♡ 6 Three of a kind 10

10

10♦ 9♡ 7

7 Two pair A♡ A

4

4♦ 9

8 One pair 9♦ 9♡ K

8

6♡ 9 No pair 3

5♦ 6♡ J

Q

[0010] Within each category, hands are ranked according to the rank ofindividual cards, with an ace being the highest card and a 2 being thelowest card. There is no difference in rank between the four suits ofcards. Table 2 shows the ranking of some example hands within the twopair category. Because the suits of the individual cards do not matterfor two pair hands (the suits become relevant only for flushes andstraight flushes, since all cards in these hands must be the same suit),no suits are shown in Table 2. TABLE 2 Relative Ranking of Some Two PairHands Highest AAKKQ AAKKJ AAKK10 AAKK9 * * * AAQQ2 AAJJK AAJJQ * * *JJ223 101099A 101099K * * * 33226 33225 Lowest 33224

[0011] All hands can be ranked in a linear ranking from highest tolowest. Because suits are all of the same value, however, there aremultiple hands that have identical rankings. For example, there are fourequivalent hands for each type of straight flush, four of a kind, orflush;, there are over a hundred equivalent hands for each two pairvariation, and there are over 1000 equivalent hands for each type ofno-pair hand. Accordingly, although there are over 2,000,000 possiblehands, there are significantly fewer possible rankings.

[0012] Poker is characterized by rounds of card dealing and betting.Numerous variations of poker exist, including “Five Card Draw,” “FiveCard Stud,” “Seven Card Stud,” “Hold'em” (also called Texas Hold'em),and “Omaha” (also called Omaha Hold'em). The variations generally differin the manner in which cards are dealt and in the manner in which betsare placed. Various criteria may also be used to determine the winninghand, including highest ranking hand wins, lowest ranking hand wins(“Lowball”), and high and low hands each win half (“High-Low”).

[0013] Typically, a game starts when each player has placed an initialbet, called the “ante,” into the “pot.” The term “pot” refers to thetotal accumulation of bets made during a game. Each player that has“anted” is dealt an initial set of cards. The number of cards depends onthe particular variation of poker being played. In five card draw, eachplayer is initially dealt five cards.

[0014] After the deal, the players have the opportunity to place bets.If a player places a bet, that bet must be matched (“called”) or“raised” by each player that wants to remain in the game. A player whodoes not match a bet drops out of the game or “folds.” A round ofbetting ends when either every player but one has folded, or when thehighest bet or raise has been called by each remaining player such thateach remaining player has paid the same amount into the pot during theround.

[0015] Each game may have several “rounds” of betting. If two or moreplayers remain after a round of betting, either more cards are dealt, orthere is a “showdown,” depending on the game variation being played. A“showdown” occurs when two or more players remain in a game after thelast round of betting for a game has been completed. A player wins agame of poker (also sometimes called a “hand of poker”) either by havingthe highest ranking hand when a “showdown” occurs, or by being the lastremaining player in the game after all other players have dropped out,or “folded.” At a showdown, each player displays the player's hand tothe other players. Typically, the player showing the hand with thehighest ranking wins the pot. In some variations, however, the lowestranking hand wins (“low-ball”), or the lowest and highest ranking handssplit the pot (“high-low”).

[0016]FIG. 1 illustrates the sequence of events that occur in a game ofFive Card Draw poker. As shown in FIG. 1, the game begins with eachplayer paying an ante into the pot at step 100. At step 105, each playeris dealt five cards by one of the players who is referred to as thedealer. Players take turns being the dealer.

[0017] After each player has been dealt the initial set of five cards,the first round of betting occurs at step 110. In a round of betting,each player is successively given the opportunity to either “pass” (i.e.to place no bet, allowed only if no one has previously placed a betduring the round), to “call” (i.e. to pay an amount into the pot equalto the total amount paid by the immediately preceding bettor), to“raise” (i.e. to pay an amount into the pot greater than the amount paidby the immediately preceding bettor), or to “fold” (i.e. to not payanything into the pot and thereby to drop out of the game). The bettingsequence typically starts with the player to the immediate left of thedealer, and then progresses in a clockwise direction.

[0018]FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a first round of betting that mayoccur at step 110 of FIG. 1. In the example of FIG. 2 there are threeplayers: player A 200, player B 205, and player C 210. Player A is thedealer. In FIG. 2, the cards dealt to each player are shown under theplayer's name. Thus, after the deal, player A's hand is AA762, playerB's hand is KK225, and player C's hand is JJ843.

[0019] Since player B is the player to the immediate left of the dealer(player A), player B opens the betting round. Player B may pass (betnothing), or place a bet. Player B's hand contains two pairs, whichplayer B considers to be a good first round hand. Accordingly, as shownin FIG. 2, player B bets one “bet” at step 215. In this example, betting“one bet” means that the bettor bets the maximum betting limit allowedby the rules of the particular variation of poker game being played. Twotypes of betting are “limit” betting and “pot limit” betting. In limitbetting, the maximum betting limit is a predetermined amount. Forexample, a betting limit may be $2. In pot limit betting, the maximumamount that a player may bet is the total amount in the pot at the timethe bet is made, including the amount, if any, that the bettor wouldneed to put into the pot if the bettor were calling. Other types ofbetting are no limit betting, and spread limit betting, in which betsare allowed within a certain range (e.g. $2-$8).

[0020] After player B has bet, it is player C's turn to act. Sinceplayer B has bet one bet, player C's choices are to match player B's bet(“call”), to raise, or to fold. Player C has a pair of jacks, whichplayer C considers to be good enough to call but not good enough toraise. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2, player C calls at step 220 byplacing an amount equal to player B's bet into the pot.

[0021] After player C has bet, it's player A's turn. Player A has a pairof aces, which player A considers to be good enough for not justcalling, but raising. Player A therefore decides to raise player B's betby one bet at step 225. Player A thus places a total of two bets intothe pot—one to meet B's bet, and one to raise by one bet.

[0022] After player A raises one bet, the betting proceeds back toplayer B. Player B considers his two pair hand to be good enough to callplayer A's bet, but not good enough to reraise. Accordingly, player Bcalls at step 230 by putting one bet (the amount of player A's raise)into the pot so that the total amount bet by player B equals the totalamount bet by player A.

[0023] After player B bets, the betting returns to player C. To stay inthe game, player C must place one bet into the pot to match player A'sraise. However, player C doesn't believe that player C's hand of twojacks is good enough to call player A's raise. Accordingly, player Cdecides to drop out of the game by folding at step 235.

[0024] After player C folds, there are no remaining uncalled raises orbets. Accordingly, the first round of betting ends at step 240. Thus,after the first round of betting, there are two remaining players,player A and player B.

[0025] The size of the pot in the example of FIG. 2 after the firstround of betting depends on the size of the initial ante and the bettinglimit of the game. Table 3 illustrates the growth in the size of the potduring the round of betting illustrated in FIG. 2 for a betting limit of$1 and for a pot limit. In both cases, it is assumed that the total anteof all three players is $1. TABLE 3 Size of Pot for Limit and Pot LimitPoker For Example of FIG. 2 Resulting Pot Resulting Pot Betting StepAction ($1 Limit) (Pot Limit) 0 Ante $1 $1 1 B bets 1 bet $2 $2 2 Ccalls B's bet $3 $3 3 A raises by 1 bet $5 $8 4 B calls A's raise $6 $125 C folds $6 $12

[0026] Thus, at the end of the first round of betting illustrated inFIG. 2, the resulting pot is $6 for 41 limit poker and $12 for pot limitpoker.

[0027] Referring again to FIG. 1, at the end of the first round ofbetting at step 110, a determination is made as to whether more than oneplayer is left in the game at step 115. If only one player is left, thatplayer wins the pot at step 120. If more than one player is left, playcontinues to step 125.

[0028] At step 125, the players remaining in the game have theopportunity to discard cards from the player's hands and replace themwith newly dealt cards. A player may discard and replace (or “draw”)from 0 to 5 cards.

[0029] After the “draw” at step 125, the second round of betting takesplace at step 130.

[0030] The second round of betting proceeds in the same manner as thefirst round of betting. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a second roundof betting that occurs after the first round of betting of FIG. 2. Asshown in FIG. 3, player A and player B each drew 1 card during the draw.Player A could have drawn more cards, but player A chose to draw onlyone card to make it appear that player A had a better hand than playerA's pair of aces. Player A discarded the lowest card of player A's hand(a 2), and was dealt a 9. Player A's resulting hand as shown in FIG. 3is AA976.

[0031] Player B, starting off with four good cards (two pairs), alsodrew one card, discarding a 5 and being dealt a 7. Player B's resultinghand as shown in FIG. 3 is KK227.

[0032] The betting in round 2, as in round 1, commences with player B.As shown in FIG. 3, even though player B has a fairly good two pairhand, player B chooses to “check” (i.e., “pass) at step 300. A check isequivalent to a pass, or to betting zero. The betting then proceeds toplayer A. Although player A's hand is not particularly strong, player Adecides to bet 1 bet at step 305, hoping that player B will believe thatplayer A has a strong hand and therefore fold. Making a bet with a weakhand that probably will not win in a showdown is referred to as“bluffing.”

[0033] Player B does not fold, but instead raises player A by one bet atstep 310. Player B thus pays two bets into the pot: one to meet playerA's bet, and one to raise player A one bet. Player A, believing thatplayer B's raise is a bluff, decides to reraise player B at step 315.Player A thus pays two more bets into the pot, one to match player B'sraise and one for the reraise. Player B, not having bluffed, callsplayer A's reraise at step 320 by paying a bet into the pot to matchplayer A's one bet reraise.

[0034] Player B's call of player As reraise ends the second round ofbetting, leading to a showdown at step 325. The amount of money in thepot at the end of the second round of betting depends on whether thegame is a limit game or a pot limit game. Table 4 shows the growth inthe pot in the second round of betting for limit and pot limit gamesgiven the first round pot shown in table 3. TABLE 4 Size of Pot forLimit and Pot Limit Poker For Example of FIG. 3 Resulting Pot ResultingPot Betting Step Action ($1 Limit) (Pot Limit) 0 Beginning pot $6 $12 1B checks $6 $12 2 A bets 1 bet $7 $24 3 B raises 1 bet $9 $72 4 Areraises 1 bet $11 $216 5 B calls $12 $324

[0035] As shown in Table 4, in a pot limit game, the size of the potincreases dramatically with each pot limit bet, while the increase ofthe pot in a limit game is more moderate.

[0036] Referring again to FIG. 1, after the second round of betting atstep 130, a determination is made as to whether more than one player isleft in the game at step 135. If only one layer is left, the remainingplayer wins the pot at step 140. If more than one player remains in thegame, there is a showdown at step 145. The remaining players shown theirhands, and the highest ranking hand wins the pot at step 150. In theexample of FIG. 3, player B's hand of two pairs has a higher rankingthan player A's hand of a pair of aces. Accordingly, player A's bluffingstrategy proves unsuccessful, and player B wins the pot.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0037] The present invention comprises a game system and method forplaying multiple contests, including card games.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the invention comprises anintelligent gaming system that includes a game engine, simulationengine, and, in certain embodiments, a static evaluator. One embodimentof the invention comprises an intelligent, poker playing slot machinethat allows a user to play poker for money against one or moreintelligent, simulated opponents. Another embodiment comprises acomputer game system that allows a player to play a game simultaneouslyagainst an intelligent, simulated opponent and against a set ofpredetermined criteria. The invention can be used, for example, with anyof a variety of card games, including, without limitation, poker gamesincluding Five Card Draw, Five Card Stud, Seven Card Stud, Hold'em,Omaha, and others, each in high-ball, low-ball, and high-lowconfigurations, and with specified betting limits, pot limits,no-limits, spread limits, etc. The simulation engine generates actionsfor the simulated player(s). The simulation engine allows a real person,or user, to play against intelligent, simulated opponents. In addition,in certain embodiments a static evaluator offers another level of playin which the user can play against a predetermined criteria for winning.In one embodiment of the invention, the user plays against simulatedopponent(s). In another embodiment of the invention, the user playsagainst simulated opponent(s) and against the predetermined criteria.

[0039] The game engine controls the play according to the rulesestablished for the game. Input is received from either the player or asimulated player and is processed by the game engine. A game can bethought of as comprising a set of action points at which either the useror a simulated player are requested to act. The game engine restrictsthe players to valid actions at the action points.

[0040] The gaming system allows either the user or a simulated player tobe the first to act. The user can respond to a request for an actionwhen it is the user's turn to act. The simulation engine determines theaction taken by a simulated player. The simulation engine uses itsknowledge of the current state of the game to determine the action orsequence of actions to be taken by the simulated player. The currentstate of the game can include, for example, the simulation engine'sunderstanding of the probability of winning. The current state of thegame can further include the point of the game at which an action is tobe taken.

[0041] In one embodiment of the invention, the gaming system is anintelligent poker playing slot machine system. The poker playing systemis comprised of two poker players one of which is the simulated playerand the other is the user. The poker playing system includes input meansfor accepting bets from the user and output means for paying winnings tothe user. The poker playing system allows a first round of betting, adraw, and a second round of betting. The first round action(s) includesthe number of cards that the simulated player draws at the conclusion ofthe first round.

[0042] A set of action sequence triggering variables having associatedvalues are used by the simulation engine to identify the simulatedplayer's action(s). Each action sequence triggering variable identifiesone or more actions to be taken by the simulated player. An actionsequence triggering variable is identified and its value is used todetermine the action(s) that are adopted for use by the simulatedplayer.

[0043] Each action sequence triggering variable used to determine astrategic sequence of actions for the simulated player is associatedwith a hand rank (e.g., three of a kind or a pair of queens). The handrank of the hand dealt to the simulated player is compared toappropriate action sequence triggering variables to determine the actionsequence strategy to be used. In one embodiment, a value is associatedwith each variable that identifies a portion of time that an action(s)associated with the variable is to be taken.

[0044] In the first round, one or more applicable action sequencetriggering variable(s) are identified using the simulated player's handrank. A determination is made whether the action(s) associated with thechosen action sequence triggering variables are to be adopted using thevalues associated with the variables. For example, in one embodiment, arandom number between zero and one is compared to a value associatedwith a variable that represents a percentage of time an action(s)associated with the variable is to be taken. If the random number isless than the percentage, a first action is taken. If the random numberis greater than the percentage, a different action is taken. Forexample, if the action sequence triggering variable(s) specifies thatthe simulated player is to bet at an action point where the simulatedplayer can only bet or fold, the fold action can be adopted if it isdetermined using the variable values that the bet action should not betaken.

[0045] In the second round, values for a set of action sequencetriggering variables are determined. In one embodiment, the values areretrieved from a lookup table. In another embodiment, the values aredynamically generated by the intelligent poker playing system. Thevalues can be stored in an initialization table. Each row contains a setof values that are used to initialize the action sequence triggeringvariables. The selection or generation of the values for the set ofaction sequence triggering variables is based on a set of game criteria.For example, the game criteria can be the number of cards that P1 (thefirst player to act) and P2 (the second player to act) drew and the sizeof the pot.

[0046] If the values for the action sequence triggering variables arepre-calculated, the game criteria is used to identify a row in theinitialization table. Each column in the row contains a value for one ofthe action sequence triggering variables. The values for each actionsequence triggering variable specifies a hand rank and a percentage.Further, a set of actions is associated with each action sequencetriggering variable. In one embodiment, the percentage represents theportion of time an action associated with the variable is to be adoptedby the simulated player in the case where the player has the exact handrank specified by the variable.

[0047] A variable's hand rank is used to position the variable relativeto the other variables in the set of action sequence triggeringvariables along a hand strength axis. A hand strength is determined forthe simulated player's hand and compared to the values of the actionsequence triggering variables. The value of the simulated player's handstrength relative to the value of the action sequence triggeringvariables determines the simulated player's action(s).

[0048] One or more embodiments of the invention comprise a method andgame system permitting multiple contest play by one or more players (oneor more of which may be an intelligent or non-intelligent gamingmachine) utilizing one or more cards from single set or hand of cards ormultiple related sets or hands of cards. In one or more embodiments ofthe -invention, at least one of the contests comprises a game of cards,such as, for example, poker, blackjack, or any other card game. In oneor more embodiments, a second card game may be played with one or morecards dealt to players of a first card game. The card games may comprisepoker games including Texas Hold'em, Omaha Hold'em, Pineapple Hold'em,Lowball, Five Card Draw, Five Card Stud, Seven Card Stud, a video-pokertype game in which payouts are based on a predetermined schedule, or anyother card games.

[0049] A variety of game play options are disclosed. In one embodimentof the invention, a player is permitted to play a second contest only ifthe player completes, wins, or meets some other threshold criteria in afirst contest. In one or more embodiments, a player is permitted to playa second contest regardless of whether the player completes the firstcontest. In a specific arrangement, a player of a first poker game ispermitted to participate in an additional contest only if the playercompletes the first game (i.e. does not fold during the first game). Inanother specific arrangement, a player of a first poker game ispermitted to participate in an additional contest regardless of whetheror not the player folds in the first contest.

[0050] One or more embodiments of the invention comprise betting, payoutand jackpot arrangements for a variety of card games and combinations ofcard games.

[0051] In one embodiment, the game system of the invention allows thesimultaneous play by one or more users against one or more intelligentor non-intelligent simulated opponents and against a pre-determinedpayoff schedule. In one example, a poker playing slot machine isprovided that allows a player to play simultaneously against anintelligent or non-intelligent simulated opponent and against avideo-poker style payoff table. For a particular hand, a player may beawarded winnings based on the payoff table even if the player losesagainst the simulated opponent, or folds prior to completion of play.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052]FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating a sequence of events in fivecard draw poker.

[0053]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first round ofbetting.

[0054]FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second round ofbetting.

[0055]FIG. 4 provides an example of a general purpose computer that canbe used with the present invention.

[0056]FIG. 5 provides an example of the system components according toone or more embodiments of the invention.

[0057] FIGS. 6A-6F provide a process flow for an intelligent “five carddraw” poker game between two players according to an embodiment of theinvention.

[0058]FIG. 7A illustrates possible first round actions according to oneembodiment of the invention.

[0059]FIG. 7B illustrates possible first round actions where raises arelimited according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0060] FIGS. 8A-8C provide a process flow for identifying a first roundstrategy for player P1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0061] FIGS. 9A-9C provide a process flow for identifying a first roundstrategy for player P2 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0062]FIG. 10 illustrates possible second round actions according to oneembodiment of the invention.

[0063]FIG. 11 illustrates possible second round actions in a game whereraises are limited according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0064]FIG. 12 provides an example of a second round strategy lookuptable used in one embodiment of the invention.

[0065]FIG. 13 illustrates actual columns for table 1200 of FIG. 12according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0066]FIG. 14 illustrates the action sequence intervals given samplevalues for the action sequence triggering variables according to oneembodiment of the invention.

[0067]FIG. 15 provides a second round process flow that uses the tableof FIGS. 12-14 - according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0068] FIGS. 16A-16B provide values for action sequence triggeringvariables for example pot sizes of 3 and 5.

[0069]FIG. 17 is a payoff table for five card hands formed from fivecards in an embodiment of the invention.

[0070]FIG. 18 is a payoff table for five card hands formed from sevencards in an embodiment of the invention.

[0071]FIG. 19 is a payoff table for four card hands formed from fourcards in an embodiment of the invention.

[0072]FIG. 20 is a payoff table for five card hands formed from sevencards in an Omaha Hold'em poker game in an embodiment of the invention.

[0073]FIG. 21 is a payoff table for five card hands formed from fivecards in a Lowball game in an embodiment of the invention.

[0074]FIG. 22 is a payoff table for two card hands formed from two cardsin an embodiment of the invention.

[0075]FIG. 23 is a payoff table for three card hands formed from threecards in an embodiment of the invention.

[0076]FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of theinvention in which a game of Omaha Hold'em and one or more additionalcontests may be played.

[0077]FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of theinvention in which a game of Texas Hold'em and one or more additionalcontests may be played.

[0078]FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of anadditional contest to be played in addition to a game of Texas Hold'emusing two hole cards dealt in the Texas Hold'em game.

[0079]FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of theinvention in which a game of Seven Card Stud and one or more additionalcontests may be played.

[0080]FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of theinvention in which a game of Five Card Stud and one or more additionalcontests may be played.

[0081]FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate slot machine embodiments of theintelligent card playing system of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0082] A method of playing one or more contests and a game system isdescribed. In the following description, numerous specific details areset forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the presentinvention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, thatthe present invention may be practiced without these specific details.In other instances, well-known features have not been described indetail so as not to obscure the invention. Further, although certainexample embodiments of contests that may be used with the invention havebeen described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatvariations of those contests or other contests may be used. For example,several embodiments have been described using “high-ball” versions ofpoker games such as Five Card Draw, Five Card Stud, Seven Card Stud,Omaha, Texas Hold'em, etc. These embodiments are intended to includehigh-ball, low-ball, high-low, and other versions of such poker games,and other poker games, as well.

[0083] While the invention may be implemented in a variety of ways, oneor more embodiments of the present invention can be implemented on ageneral purpose computer such as illustrated in FIG. 4. A keyboard 410and mouse 411 are coupled to a bi-directional system bus 418. Thekeyboard and mouse are for introducing user input to the computer systemand communicating that user input to CPU 413. The computer system ofFIG. 4 also includes a video memory 414, main memory 415 and massstorage 412, all coupled to bi-directional system bus 418 along withkeyboard 410, mouse 411 and CPU 413. The mass storage 412 may includeboth fixed and removable media, such as magnetic, optical or magneticoptical storage systems or any other available mass storage technology.Bus 418 may contain, for example, 32 address lines for addressing videomemory 414 or main memory 415. The system bus 418 also includes, forexample, a 32-bit DATA bus for transferring DATA between and among thecomponents, such as CPU 413, main memory 415, video memory 414 and massstorage 412. Alternatively, multiplex DATA/address lines may be usedinstead of separate DATA and address lines.

[0084] CPU 413 may be any suitable microprocessor such as, for example,the Pentium^(a) processor manufactured by Intel. Main memory 415 iscomprised of dynamic random access memory (DRAM). Video memory 414 is adual-ported video random access memory. One port of the video memory 414is coupled to video amplifier 416. The video amplifier 416 is used todrive the cathode ray tube (CRT) raster monitor 417. Video amplifier 416is well known in the art and may be implemented by any suitable means.This circuitry converts pixel DATA stored in video memory 414 to araster signal suitable for use by monitor 417. Monitor 417 is a type ofmonitor suitable for displaying graphic images.

[0085] The computer system described above is for purposes of exampleonly. The present invention may be implemented in any type of computersystem or programming or processing environment. The invention may beimplemented by means of software programming on this or another computersystem. The invention encompasses an article of manufacture comprisingcomputer readable program code configured to cause a computer toimplement the method of the invention. Such article of manufacture maycomprise a computer data storage medium such as a floppy disk, a harddisk, a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, and any other kind of data storage medium.The invention also encompasses a carrier wave comprising computerreadable program code configured to cause a computer to implement themethod of the invention that may be transmitted over a communicationsmeans such as the Internet.

Overview

[0086] One or more embodiments of the invention comprise an intelligentgaming system in which a user-player is pitted against one or moreintelligent, simulated opponents. In another embodiment, the gamingsystem further allows the user to play against an intelligent, simulatedopponent and against a predetermined set of results or aspects of thegame. In one embodiment, the gaming system is a poker playing system inwhich one or more user-players play poker against one or moreintelligent or non-intelligent, simulated poker players and apredetermined payoff table or other additional contest(s).

[0087]FIG. 5 provides an example of the system components according toan embodiment of the invention. System 500 comprises game engine 510,simulation engine 506 and static evaluator 508. Game engine 510,simulation engine 506 and static evaluator 508 can be implemented assoftware that runs in the system of FIG. 4, for example. System 500interacts with player 502 to obtain input from player 502. Simulationengine 506 generates actions for the simulated player that becomes inputto game engine 510. Input from player 502 and simulation engine 506 isreceived and processed by game engine 510. System 500 generates output504 that is displayed to player 502. Output 504 includes messagesprompting player 502 for input, messages describing the action(s) takenby the simulated player, and status messages that describe an interim orfinal status of the game (i.e., whether the simulated player or player502 is winning the game).

[0088] Simulation engine 506 identifies the action(s) that the simulatedplayer takes during the course of a game. Simulation engine 506evaluates the current state of the game including the actions that havealready been taken by the players and chooses an action or actions forthe simulated player from among the set of currently valid actions. Theaction(s) identified by simulation engine 506 and player 502 areprocessed by game engine 510.

[0089] Player 502 can compete against some static measurements in someembodiments of the invention. Static evaluator 508 compares some aspector level of play by player 502 against a predetermined set of criteria.If player 502 achieves an acceptable level of play based on thepredetermined set of criteria, player 502 wins the static competition.

[0090] One or more embodiments of the invention comprise a method and agame system which permits at least one user-player to play at least twocontests simultaneously or in sequence using a single set or hand ofcards or multiple related sets or hands of cards. In one or moreembodiments, at least one of the contests is a card game, such as poker,blackjack, or any other card game. In one or more embodiments, the twocontests are both card games. In one or more embodiments, the contest isa poker game and the second contest is a video-poker type game.

[0091] Other embodiments of the invention comprise betting, payout andjackpot arrangements for one or more contests, including card games.

Intelligent Poker Playing System

[0092] One or more embodiments of the invention comprise an intelligentgaming system in which a user-player is pitted against one or moreintelligent, simulated opponents. The invention is described herein withreference to an intelligent poker playing system and in particular to“five card draw.” However, it should be apparent that the invention canbe applied to other card games including other poker games (e.g., “FiveCard Stud,” “Seven Card Stud,” “Texas Hold'em,” and “Omaha Hold'em”).The invention can be applied to any game in which strategies are used toidentify an action during the game. The following provides a processflow for system 500 that implements a poker gaming system.

[0093] Further, the intelligent poker playing system is described usinga single user-player pitted against one intelligent, simulated player.However, it should be apparent that the invention can be practiced withvarying numbers of user-players and intelligent, simulated players.Thus, for example, one user-player can be pitted against more than oneintelligent, simulated player, or vice versa. Further, multipleuser-players can be pitted against multiple intelligent, simulatedplayers.

[0094] In Five Card Draw, each player is dealt five cards after placingan initial bet. A player evaluates his hand and adopts a strategy forplaying the hand. A player's strategy determines the action(s) taken bythe player. For example, in a two player Five Card Draw poker game,player 1, P1, can adopt one strategy, if he believes that his hand islikely to be a “winning” hand. In that case, P1 opens the betting andthen reraises if player 2, P2, raises P1's bet. If P1 believes that hishand has less potential to beat P2's hand, P1 can adopt a strategy toopen with a bet, but fold, if P2 raises P1's opening bet. Even if P1believes his hand is not that strong, P1 may adopt a strategy to try tobluff P2 into believing that his hand is a “winning” hand. In that case,P1 can open with a bet and reraise P2's bet. P1's strategy may be simplyto fold when P1 believes that his hand has no value.

[0095] P1 can modify or adopt a new strategy during the game. The sizeof the pot may cause P1 to change strategies, for example. Further, P1may adopt different strategies between rounds (e.g., before and afterthe draw). Similarly, P2 can adopt one or more strategies during a game.Simulation engine 506 can simulate the play of either P1 or P2.

[0096] FIGS. 6A-6F provide a process flow for a video Five Card Drawpoker game between two players according to an embodiment of theinvention. Either P1 or P2 is player 502 with the other being simulatedusing simulation engine 506. The simulated player can be P1 in one gameand P2 in another game. After player 502 enters money (or credits ortokens), the cards are dealt to each player and a first round of bettingcommences.

[0097] At step 602, a determination is made whether player 502 hasentered some amount of credit (or token). After player 502 enterscredits, the game begins with each player contributing an initial amountto the pot (i.e., “an ante”). Alternatively, player 502 can cashout toretrieve the credits. Thus, at step 604, a determination is made whetherplayer 502 “anted” or made a “cashout” request. If it is determined thatplayer 502 entered a “cashout” request, processing continues at step 606to return the player's credits. From step 606, processing continues atstep 602 to await the start of another game.

[0098] If player 502 anted, processing continues at step 610 to deal thecards to P1 and P2. At step 612 (“P1 action?”), a determination is madewhether P1's action is to bet or to fold. If P1 folds at step 612,processing continues at step 614 to payout the pot to P2 (see FIG. 6Ffor an example of a payout and static evaluation process flow accordingto an embodiment of the invention). Processing continues at step 602 toawait the start of another game or termination of play.

[0099] If P1's action was to bet at step 612, processing continues atstep 616 to wait for P2's action. P2 has the option to fold, raise, orcall. If P2 folds at step 616, processing continues at step 618 toprocess the payout to P1 and processing continues at step 602.

[0100] If P2 raises P1's bet, processing continues at step 624 to waitfor P1's action. P1 can call, raise P2's raise, or fold. If P1 folds,the pot is paid out to P2 at step 626. If P1 raises P2's raise,processing continues at step 628 to wait for P2's response. If P2 raisesP1's raise at step 628, processing continues at step 624 to await P1'saction. The sequence of one player raising another player can continueuntil a raise limit is reached, or one player calls the other's raise.To implement a raise limitation, a step can be added to the steps ofFIG. 6B to examine the number of raises against a raise threshold. Ifthe number of raises has reached the threshold, a player's valid actionscan be limited to either folding or calling. Further, if either P1 or P2call the other player's bet (at steps 624 or 628, respectively),processing continues at step 632.

[0101] If either player calls the other player's bet, the first round ofbetting ends and processing continues at step 632 at which each playermay draw cards. At step 632, P1 selects the cards to be discarded. A setof replacement cards is drawn by P1 at step 634. Similarly, at steps 636and 638, P2 discards and draws zero or more cards.

[0102] Processing continues at step 644 (FIG. 6D) where the second roundopens with P1's action. P1 can either pass (i.e., check) or bet. If P1passes, processing continues at step 656 (FIG. 6E) to await P2'sresponse. If P2 checks in response to P1's check, a showdown occurs witha payout being given at step 668 to the player with a highest rankinghand.

[0103] If P1 opens the second round of betting at step 644 with a bet,processing continues at step 646 to await P2's action. P2 can raise,call or fold in response to P1's bet. If P2 raises P1's bet, processingcontinues at step 660 to await P1's action. If P2 folds at step 646after P1 opens with a bet, processing continues at step 648 to award thepot to P1. If P2 calls P1's bet, processing continues at step 650 to paythe pot to the player with the higher ranking hand.

[0104] If P2 raises P1's opening bet or bets after P1 passes, processingcontinues at step 660 to await P1's responsive action. P1 can call, foldor raise. In an embodiment in which check-raising is not allowed,however, P1 would only have the option to call or fold at step 660.

[0105] If P1 folds, the pot is paid to P2 at step 662. If P1 calls, thepot is paid to the player with the higher ranking hand. If P1 raisesP2's bet, processing continues at step 664 to await P2's response. Steps660 and 664 can repeated with each player responding to the other'sraise until one of the player's calls, or runs out of money.

Payout and Static Evaluator

[0106] FIGS. 6A-6E refer to a payout step that awards the pot to thewinner of the game. Where one of the players folds, the winner is theplayer that did not fold. Where neither folded and play ended in ashowdown, the winner is the one having a higher ranking hand. The pot ispaid to the winner. In an embodiment of the invention, the systemfurther includes a payout to player 502 when player 502 has a handranking that meets or beats a threshold hand ranking. Static evaluator508 compares player 502's hand and the threshold to determine whetherplayer 502 is a winner.

[0107]FIG. 6F provides an example of a payout and static evaluationprocess flow according to an embodiment of the invention. At step 672, adetermination is made whether the game ended in a showdown or becauseone of the players folded. If one of the players folded, processingcontinues by awarding the pot to the other player. Thus, if it isdetermined at step 672 that P1 folded, the pot is awarded to P2 at step676. If P2 folded, the pot is awarded to P1 at step 678.

[0108] At step 680, if it is determined that the static evaluationfeature of the system is active, processing continues at step 682 toallow player 502 to play against a predetermined payoff table (i.e.,bonus play). The process flow of FIG. 6F allows player 502 to play thebonus round whether or not player 502 folded. Alternatively, and asdescribed in greater detail above, the static evaluator 508 can limitbonus play such that player 502 is prohibited from bonus play whenplayer 502 folded.

[0109] At step 682, a determination is made whether the fold actionoccurred prior to the draw. If the game against the simulated playerended in the first round, static evaluator 508 allows player 502 to drawzero to five cards at step 684. After player 502 is allowed a draw(either in simulated or bonus play), static evaluator 508 determineswhether a bonus is payable to player 502 and pays any such bonus at step686. The determination is based on a predetermined set of criteria suchas the ranking assigned to a player's hand. Referring to Table 1, forexample, a threshold can be set at three of a kind. Thus, a bonus ispaid for a hand rank in category six of Table 1 (i.e., three of a kind).The threshold for payment of a bonus can be raised or lowered. Forexample, the threshold can be raised to pay a bonus for hands incategory 4.

[0110] A bonus can be paid based on a graduated payout structure for ahand that meets or exceeds the threshold. The amount paid as a bonus canbe a set amount for each card ranking. Alternatively, a graduated bonuscan be paid depending on the rank of the hand. Table 5 provides anexample of a graduated bonus structure. TABLE 5 Graduated Payout RankBonus Pair of Jacks or Better 1 Two Pair 2 Three of a Kind 3 Straight 4Flush 5 Full House 8 Four of a Kind 80 Straight Flush 100 Royal Flush488

[0111] In the graduated payout example provided in Table 5, a bonus ispaid to player 502 for a hand ranking of a pair of jacks or better. If,for example, player 502 has three of a kind, player 502 is paid 3 units(e.g., three dollars). If player 502 has a royal flush, player 502 ispaid 488 units. If player 502 has a pair of tens, he does not receive apayback.

[0112] The above-described arrangement of providing a payout bycomparing the user-player's poker hand to a predetermined payoutschedule is generally referred to herein as “video poker” or “video-typepoker.”

[0113] Static evaluator 508 can be used to award a “bonus” type payoutthat reflects accumulated contributions from multiple players includingplayer 502. When a player meets or exceeds the threshold ranking, theaccumulated payout is paid out to that player. Player 502 can thereforecompete against other system users to win the payout that includes theaccumulated contributions made by other players into a pot from with thepayout is paid. Each player plays against the predetermined bonusthreshold. Each user can interact with the same or different instancesof system 500 to contribute an amount to the bonus payout pot.

First Round

[0114] As illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6F, the first round of the intelligentpoker playing system includes points at which a player (e.g., player 502or the simulated player) must take an action. A player selects an actionfrom the set of available actions that is a subset of the set of actions(e.g., pass or check, fold, call, bet and raise). P1 and P2 continue thefirst round until one of the players either calls or folds. FIG. 7Aillustrates possible first round actions according to one embodiment ofthe invention.

[0115] Columns 720-728 identify the five action points in the firstround. For example, column 720 corresponds to step 612 of FIG. 6A.Columns 722, 724, 726 and 728 correspond to steps 616, 624, 628, and624, respectively, of FIGS. 6A-6B. Rows 700A-700B, 702A-702C, 704A-704C,706A-706C, and 708A-708C indicate the specific actions available to theplayers. For example, column 720 (P1A1) represents the first action byP1. In this embodiment, according to rows 700A-700B, the possibleactions for P1 for the P1A1 action are either bet or fold (in otherembodiments, other actions for P1A1 may be allowed, such as, forexample, bet or pass). If P1 folds, P2 is awarded the pot and play ends.Therefore, no actions are identified for columns 722-728.

[0116] Rows 702A-702C illustrate the possible first actions for P2(P2A1), if P1A1 is a bet. Referring to column 722, P2A1 can be a fold,call or raise. If P2 folds in response to P1's bet (row 702A), the potis paid to P1 and play ends. If P2 calls (row 702B) there is a showdown,and the pot is paid to the player with the highest hand. Rows 704A-704Cillustrate the possible second actions for P1 (P1A2), if P2A1 is a raise(i.e., fold, call or raise). If P1A2 is a fold (row 704A), the pot ispaid to P2 and play ends. If P1A2 is a call (row 704B), there is ashowdown and the pot is paid to the player with the highest hand. IfP1A2 is a raise, play turns to P2 for an action. P2's response (P2A2) isrepresented in rows 706A-706B. If P2A2 is a fold or call, play ends. IfP2A2 is a raise, P1 can respond (P1A3) by folding, calling or raising(rows 708A-708C).

[0117] If P1 and P2 continue to raise as illustrated, play can continue(i.e., P1An and P2An). In fact, play can continue indefinitely until aplayer calls the other's bet, folds, or runs out of money. Referring toFIG. 6B, the process flow can continue at steps 624 and 628 until eitherP1 or P2 folds or calls. Alternatively, system 500 can limit the numberof possible raises. That is P1 and P2 are limited in the number of timeseach can raise the other's bet.

[0118]FIG. 7B illustrates possible first round actions in a game wherethe number of raises is limited according to one embodiment of theinvention. Referring to rows 700A-700B, P1A1 can be a fold or bet. Asillustrated in rows 702A-702C, in response to a betting action for P1A1,P2A1 can be a fold, call or raise. However, referring to rows 714A-714B(P1A2), P1 is limited to either calling P2's raise or folding.Therefore, the first round is guaranteed to end no later than P1A2.

[0119] The available actions for P1 and P2 are illustrated in FIGS.7A-7B. A player must choose an action at each action point (e.g., P1A1,P2A1, P1A2, etc.). A player typically develops a strategy for playingand selects an action based on the strategy. A player's strategydetermines the action(s) taken by the player. A player's strategy in thefirst round is typically based on the player's hand. A hand that aplayer believes to be a “winning” hand may prompt a different strategythan one that the player believes is a “losing” hand. For example, aplayer may consider that three of a kind or better is a “winning” hand.Another player may consider that two pair or better to be a “winning”hand. Conversely, one pair or lower may be considered a “losing” hand.Thus, for example, a player may fold with a one pair or lower hand.However, a player may adopt the strategy typically used with a “winning”hand even though he perceives his hand to be a “losing” hand in aneffort to bluff the other player into folding.

Example Embodiment of First Round Strategy

[0120] In the first round, it is assumed that P1 and P2 have an equalchance of winning. That is, each player has an equal chance of beingdealt a “winning” hand. In one embodiment, the initial strategy used byeither player is based on the rank of the player's hand. In anotherembodiment of the invention, the initial strategy based on a hand's rankis ignored in favor of another strategy. The strategy identifies theaction a player takes at an action point, and the actions taken to reachan action point. In a preferred embodiment, the first round strategyfurther identifies the number of cards the player is to draw at theconclusion of round one.

[0121] Since player 502 can be either P1 or P2, a technique is providedto identify a first round strategy for either P1 or P2. While aparticular strategy identifies the action to take given the otherplayer's action, the selection of the simulated player's strategy isindependent of the strategy adopted by player 502. Thus, the simulatedplayer's strategy is not simply an imitation of the action(s) taken byplayer 502.

[0122] In one embodiment of the invention, a set of first round actionsequence triggering variables are identified that identify a player'sstrategy. Each variable has an associated numeric value that representsthe percentage of times that a player adopts the strategy associatedwith the variable. The strategy identifies the action to be taken by aplayer at the player's action points.

[0123] In addition, the strategy identifies the drawing action. Forcertain hands, the number of cards to draw is straightforward based onthe player's hand. For example, both P1 and P2 draw no cards with anystraight, flush or full house; draw 1 card with two pair; draw threecards with a pair; draw three cards with an ace-high hand. P1 willoccasionally draw 1 card to four-card flushes or four-card straights, ormay bluff and stand pat (draw no cards) with an otherwise non-bettinghand. A strategy specifies a particular number of cards for the draw, orspecifies that the draw is based on the hand.

[0124] One set of action sequence triggering variables is associatedwith P1 while another set is associated with P2. Each player's variablesare used to determine the action sequences associated with a particularstrategy used in round one. The values assigned to each variable areused to determine whether or not to adopt the action(s) associated withthe variable. Table 6 provides examples of variables used to determineP1's first round strategy as well as sample values and descriptions. Itshould be apparent that other values can be used for these variables andthat other variables can be used as a supplement or replacement forthese variables. TABLE 6 Player 1 Variables Variable Action 1 Action 2Name (P1A1) (P1A2) Value Description p1PatBluffP bet 0.003664Probability that P1 bluffs and stands pat with a no pair hand P14fc betcall 0.8435 Probability that P1 bets and calls, if raised by P2, with afour flush hand and draws 1 card. p14fb bet fold 1.0 Probability that P1bets with a four flush hand and then folds (if raised) or draws 1 card(if P2 called). p14sb bet fold 0.24 Probability that P1 bets with a fourstraight hand and then folds (if raised) or draws 1 card (if P2 called).p1qlop bet fold 0.0 Probability that P1 opens (bets) with a queen highor lower hand. p1qlca bet call 0.0 Probability that P1 opens and calls(if raised) with a queen high or lower hand. p1khop bet fold 0.28Probability that P1 opens with a king high hand. p1khca call 0.0Probability that P1 calls with a king high hand. p1ahop bet 1.0Probability that P1 opens with an ace high hand or better. p1ahca betcall 1.0 Probability that P1 calls with an ace high hand or better.

[0125] The strategies associated with the variables of Table 6 assume agame in which raises are limited as described with reference to FIG. 7B.Referring to FIG. 7B, P1 has two action points, P1A1 and P1A2, in roundone. The possible actions for P1A1 are fold or bet. If the strategyspecifies that P1A1 is a bet action, a P1A2 action is specified. Thepossible P1A2 actions are fold or call. Thus, if P2 raises in responseto a P1A1 bet action, P1A2 specifies whether P1 is to call or fold inresponse to P2's P2A1 action. The strategy adopted by P1 identifies theactions for the P1A1 action point and, if necessary, the P1A2 actionpoint.

[0126] The strategy that is adopted by P1 is determined using thevariables identified in Table 6. A value is assigned to a variable thatrepresents the percentage of time that a variable's strategy is adopted.This value is examined before a variable's strategy is adopted. Forexample, a value of 50 percent (i.e., 0.50) associated with a variablesuggests that the variable's strategy should be adopted fifty percent ofthe time. A random number is used in one embodiment that ranges from 0to 1. A variable's percentage is compared against the random number todetermine whether the variable's action(s) is used.

[0127] Each variable is associated with a hand rank. That is, one ormore variables are selected to determine a players strategy based on theranking of the player's hand. Table 7 categorizes the variables of Table6 into their respective rankings. TABLE 7 Player 1 Variables VariablesHand Player 1 Straight Flush * Four of a Kind * Full House * Flush *Straight * Three of a Kind * Two Pair * One Pair * No Pair p1PatBluffpAce High p1ahop, p1ahca King High p1khop, p1khca Queen High p1qlop,p1qlca Four Flush p14fc, p14fb Four Straight p14sb

[0128] To illustrate, assume that P1 has a four flush hand. Referring toTable 7, the p14fc and p14fb variables are associated with a four flush.Referring to Table 6, if the strategy suggested by the p14fc variable isadopted, P1 bets at action point P1A1 and calls at action point P1A2. Ifthe p14fb variable is used, P1 bets at action point P1A1 and folds ataction point P1A2. The values associated with the p14fc and p14fbvariables are used to determine which strategy (i.e., the bet-callstrategy of p14fc or the bet-fold strategy of p14fb) is adopted. Thevalues assigned to the p14fc and p14fb variables are 0.8435 and 1.0,respectively. That is, the bet-call strategy is adopted eighty-fivepercent of the time when P1 receives a four flush. The remaining portionof the time, the bet-fold strategy is adopted for P1.

[0129] FIGS. 8A-8C provide a process flow for identifying a first roundstrategy for player P1 when P1 receives a hand with a rank less than onepair according to an embodiment of the invention. If P1 receives a handwith a rank of greater than or equal to one pair, P1 will adopt thebet-call strategy. Once the ranking of the hand is determined, thevariables associated with the ranking are used to select a strategy andidentify the action(s) to be taken by P1. Where a draw action is notdetermined based on the hand, a specific draw is specified for P1. Insome cases, a random number is compared against the value of a variablein Table 7 to determine whether to adopt the strategy associated withthe variable.

[0130] At step 802, a determination is made whether P1 has a four flush.If so, processing continues at step 804 to determine whether the randomnumber is less than or equal to p14fb. If not, processing continues atstep 812. If it is determined, at step 804, that the random number isless than or equal to p14fb, processing continues at step 806. Adetermination is made at step 806 whether the random number is less thanor equal to p14fc. If not, processing continues at step 808 to specify abet action for P1A1, a fold action for P1A2, and a one card draw. If therandom number is less than or equal to p14fc, processing continues atstep 810 to specify a bet action for P1A1, a call action for P1A2, and aone card draw.

[0131] If it is determined (at step 802) that P1 does not have a fourflush or that the random number is greater than p14fb (at step 804),processing continues at step 812. A determination is made at step 812whether P1 has a four straight. If so, processing continues at step 814to determine whether the random number is less than or equal to p14sb.If not, processing continues at step 818. If the random number isdetermined to be less than p14sb at step 814, processing continues atstep 816 to specify a bet action for P1A1, a fold action for P1A2, and aone card draw.

[0132] In the preceding steps, a determination is made whether P1 shouldbluff with a four flush or four straight hand. In steps 818 and 820, adetermination is made whether to bluff even though a bluff is notindicated in the preceding steps. Thus, at step 818, a determination ismade whether the random number is less than or equal to p1PatBluffp. Ifso, processing continues at step 820 to determine whether the randomnumber is less than or equal to two-thirds. If not, processing continuesat step 824 to specify a bet action for P1A1, a fold for P1A2 and nodraw. If so, processing continues at step 822 to specify a bet actionfor P1A1, a call action at P1A2 and no draw.

[0133] Whether or not a bluff is indicated in steps 818 and 820,processing continues at step 830 to determine whether P1 has an ace highor better (step 830), king high (step 834), or queen high or lower hand(step 838). If so, processing continues at 860 of FIG. 8C to compare thevariables associated with P1's particular hand with the random number.Steps 830, 834, and 838 reference the flow of FIG. 8C and specify thevariables that are used in the steps of FIG. 8C. For example, if it isdetermined at step 834 that P1's hand is a king high hand, variablesp1khop and p1khca are used with the steps of FIG. 8C. That is, p1NPop isequivalent to p1khop and p1NPca is equivalent to p1khca.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 8C, a determination is made whether the randomnumber is less than or equal to p1NPop (e.g., p1NPop is equivalent top1qlop where P1 has a queen high or lower hand). If not, processingcontinues at step 862 to specify a fold action for P1A1. If so,processing continues at step 864 to determine whether the random numberis less than or equal to p1NPca (e.g., p1NPca is equivalent to p1qlcawhere P1 is a queen high or lower hand). If not, processing continue atstep 868 to specify a bet action for P1A1, a call action for P1A2, and athree card draw. If the random number is greater than p2NPca, processingcontinues at step 870 to specify a bet action for P1A1, a fold actionfor P1A2, and a three card draw.

[0135] A set of variables are also defined for P2 that are used todetermine P2's first round strategy. Table 8 provides examples ofvariables used to determine P2's first round strategy as well as samplevalues and descriptions. It should be apparent that other values can beused for these variables and that other variables can be used as asupplement or replacement for these variables. TABLE 8 Player 2Variables Variable Action 1 Name (P2A1) Value Description p2PatBluffPraise 0.002597 Probability that P2 bluffs by standing pat. p24FBluffpraise 0.8435 Probability that P2 bluffs as having two pair and draws onewith a four flush. p2NoPairBluffP raise 0.12 Probability that P2 raisesand draws three cards with a no pair hand p2qlca call 0.0 Probabilitythat P2 calls with a queen high or lower hand. p2qlra raise 0.12Probability that P2 raises with a queen high or lower hand. p2khca call0.0 Probability that P2 calls with a king high hand. p2khra raise 0.12Probability that P2 raises with a king high hand. p2ahca call 0.3Probability that P2 calls with an ace high hand. p2ahra raise 0.12Probability that P2 raises with an ace high hand. p2raise raise 0.0-1.0Probability that P2 raises with a particular pair. p2call call 0.0-1.0Probability that P2 calls with a particular pair. p2fold fold 1.0-Probability that P2 p2raise- folds with a particular p2call one pairhand.

[0136] The strategies associated with the variables of Table 8 assume agame in which raises are limited as described with reference to FIG. 7B.That is, P2 has one action point, P2A1. At P2A1, P2 can fold, call orraise the opening bet by P1. The strategy adopted by P2 identifies theaction for the P2A1 action point. The strategy that is adopted by P2 isdetermined using the variables identified in Table 8 and the rank ofP2's hand.

[0137] As with P1's variables, a value is assigned a variable thatrepresents the percentage of times that a variable's strategy isadopted. Further, each variable is associated with a hand rank. Table 9categorizes the variables of Table 8 based on their associated hand.TABLE 2 Hands and Associated P2 Variables Variables Hand Player 2Straight Flush * Four of a Kind * Full House * Flush * Straight * Threeof a Kind * Two Pair * One Pair p2raise, p2call No Pair p2NoPairBluffp,p2PatBluffp Ace High p2ahca, p2ahra King High p2khca, p2khra Queen Highp2qlca, p2qlra Four Flush p24FBluffp Four Straight p2PatBluffp

[0138] FIGS. 9A-9C provide a process flow for identifying a first roundstrategy for player P2 according to an embodiment of the invention. Aranking for P2's hand is identified. Once the ranking is determined, thevariables associated with the ranking are used to select a strategy andidentify the action(s) to be taken by P2. Where a draw action is notdetermined based on the hand, a specific draw is specified for P2.

[0139] At step 902 a determination is made whether P2's hand is a twopair or better hand. If P2 as a two pair or better hand (e.g., astraight), processing continues at step 912 to specify a raise actionfor P2A1 and a draw based on P2's hand.

[0140] If it is determined at step 902 that P2 has less than a two pairhand, processing continues at step 916 to determine whether P2 has a onepair hand. If so, processing continues at step 918 to obtain values forthe variables p2raise and p2call given the actual one pair in P2's hand.Table 10 provides an example of values assigned to the p2raise andp2call variables for each pair type in one embodiment. TABLE 10 Handsand Associated P2 Variables Pair p2raise p2call Twos 0.0 0.0 Threes 0.01.0 Fours 0.0 1.0 Fives 0.0 1.0 Sixes  0.75  0.25 Sevens 1.0 0.0 Eights0.9 0.1 Nines 0.5 0.5 Tens 0.2 0.8 Jacks 1.0 0.0 Queens 1.0 0.0 Kings1.0 0.0 Aces 1.0 0.0

[0141] The values of p2raise in Table 10 indicate the percentage of timethat P2 raises with the given pair. The values of p2call indicate thepercentage of time that P2 calls, but does not raise. Thus, for example,with a pair of sixes, P2 raises 75% of the time, and calls the remaining25% of the time. P2 folds the remaining portion of the time, if any.Thus, p2fold=1-p2raise−p2call.

[0142] Other values for p2raise or p2call can be associated with eachpair. Once values are obtained for p2raise and p2call at step 918,processing continues at step 920 to determine whether the random numberis greater than the sum of p2raise and p2call. If so, processingcontinues at step 922 to specify a fold action for P2A1. If not, adetermination is made at step 924 as to whether the random number isgreater than p2raise. If yes, a call action is specified for P2A1 atstep 926. If no, processing continues at step 928 to specify a raiseaction for P2A1.

[0143] If it is determined at step 916 that P2's hand is lower than onepair, processing continues at step 950 to determine whether P2 has afour flush hand. If so, processing continues at step 952 to determinewhether to bluff with a four flush hand. A determination is made whetherp24FBluffp is greater than or equal to the random number. If not,processing continues at step 956 to specify a fold action for P2A1. Ifso, processing continues at step 954 to specify a raise action for P2A1and a one card draw.

[0144] If it is determined at step 950 that P2 does not have a fourflush hand, processing continues at step 958 to determine whetherp2NoPairBluffP is greater than or equal to the random number. If so,processing continues at step 960 to specify a raise for P1A1 and a threecard draw. If it is determined at step 958 that p2NoPairBluffP is lessthan the random number, processing continues at step 962. Adetermination is made at step 962 whether p2PatBluffp is greater than orequal to the random number. If so, processing continues at step 964 tospecify a raise for P2A1, and a zero draw.

[0145] If a bluff strategy is not adopted for P2, processing continuesat steps 968, 972 and 976 to determine whether P2 has an ace high, kinghigh, or queen high or lower hand. In each case, processing continues atstep 982 to examine the variables associated with the ace high, kinghigh or queen high or lower hands to determine whether P2 should raise,call or fold in response to an opening bet by P1. Depending on theoutcome of steps 968, 972, and 976, the steps of FIG. 9C are performedusing the variables associated with an ace high, king high or queen highor lower hand. For example, if it is determined at step 972 that P2 hasa king high hand, processing executes the steps of FIG. 9C are processedusing the p2khca and p2khra variables. The variables are referred togenerically as p2NPca and p2NPra, respectively. Similarly, if it isdetermined at step 976 that P2 hand is a queen high or lower hand, thesteps of FIG. 9C are performed using the p2qlca and p2qlra variables.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 9C, a determination is made at step 982 as towhether the random number is greater than the sum of p2NPra and p2NPca.If so, processing continues at step 984 to specify a fold operation forP2A1. If not, processing continues at step 990.

[0147] At step 990, a determination is made whether the p2NPra isgreater than the random number. If yes, processing continues at step 992to specify a raise operation for P2A1. If not, processing continues atstep 996 to specify a call operation for P2A1.

Second Round

[0148] Like the first round of the intelligent poker playing system, thesecond round includes points at which a player (e.g., player 502 or thesimulated player) must take an action. A player selects an action fromthe set of available actions that is a subset of the set of actions(e.g., pass or check, fold, call, bet and raise). If raising isunlimited, the second round continues until one of the players eithercalls or folds. FIG. 10 illustrates possible second round actionsaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

[0149] Columns 1020-1028 identify five action points in the secondround. For example, column 1020 corresponds to step 644 of FIG. 6D.Column 1022 corresponds to step 646 if P1's for action is a bet, or tostep 656 when P1 checks. Columns 1024, 1026 and 1028 correspond to steps660, 664, and 660, respectively. Rows 1000A-1000B, 1002A-1002C,1004A-1004C, 1006A-1006C, 1008A-1008C and 1010A-1010C indicate thespecific actions available to the players at given action points. Forexample, column 1020 (P1A1) represents the first action by P1. Rows1000A-1000B identify the possible actions for P1 at the P1A1 actionpoint (e.g., check or bet). At the P1A1 action point, no other actionshave yet taken place. Therefore, no actions are identified for columns1022-1028.

[0150] Rows 1002A-1002C illustrate the first actions for P2 (P2A1), ifP1A1 is a check. Referring rows 1002A-1002B in column 1022, P2A1 can bea check or bet. If P2 checks in response to P1's check (row 1002A),there is a showdown. The pot gets paid to the player with the highesthand, and the game ends. Rows 1004A-1004C indicate that the first actionfor P2 can be a fold, call or raise if P1A1 is a bet. Rows 1006A-1006Cthrough 1010A-1010C illustrate the possible actions for P1A2, P2A2 andP1A3, respectively as either fold, call or raise actions.

[0151] If P1 and P2 continue to raise, play can continue (i.e., P1An andP2An). In fact, second round play can continue indefinitely until aplayer calls the other's bet or folds. Alternatively, system 500 canlimit the number of possible raises. That is P1 and P2 are limited inthe number of times each can raise the other's bet.

[0152]FIG. 11 illustrates possible second round action in a game wherethere is a raise limit according to one embodiment of the invention.Rows 1100A, 1102A-1102B, and 1104A-1104B illustrate the action whereP1A1 is a check. Rows 1100B, 1106A-1106C, 1108A-1108C and 1110A-1110Cillustrate the action where P1A1 is a bet. In FIG. 10, P1 could raiseafter checking (see rows 1004A-1004C). However, in FIG. 11, P1 islimited to either a fold or call action (see rows 1104A-1104B). That is,check raising is not allowed. Further, P2 is not allowed to raise inP2A2. Referring to rows 1110A-1110B, P2 has the option of either foldingor calling at action point P2A2. Therefore, the first round isguaranteed to end no later than at P2A2.

[0153] The available actions for P1 and P2 for the second round areillustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. Like the first round, a player mustchoose an action at each action point (e.g., P1A1, P2A1, P1A2, etc.).The actions are specified based on the strategy chosen by the player.

Second Round Strategy Look-up Table Operation

[0154] As in the first round, there are a set of action sequencetriggering variables that are used to determine a player's strategy forthe round. Each variable has an associated value that can be examined todevelop a player's second round strategy. In one embodiment, the valuesof the variables are pre-calculated and stored in a table. In analternate embodiment, instead of using variable values previouslygenerated, the values can be generated dynamically during the gamethereby eliminating the need to store the values. A set of criteria isused to either generate the values at runtime or to identify the row inthe table that contains the values for the variables.

[0155] An example of a second round strategy lookup table used in oneembodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 12. Table 1200 includescolumns 1201-1213. Column 1201 is an extra column that contains adefault value of 1 that is not used. Columns 1202-1213 of table 1200correspond to the action sequence triggering variables used in thesecond round. Rows 1224-1228 represent sets of values that areassignable to the second round variables.

[0156] Each value in rows 1224-1228 uses format 1230. Format 1230comprises hand category 1230, card rank 1232, and percentage 1234. Handcategory 1230 and card rank 1232 are translated into hand ranks asfollows. The integer before the decimal (i.e., hand category 1230) is anumber from 0 to 8 representing one of nine hand categories as indicatedin Table 11: TABLE 11 Hand Category Codes Number Category 0 no pairs 1one pair 2 two pairs 3 three of a kind 4 straight 5 flush 6 full house 7four of a kind 8 straight flush

[0157] The first two digits to the right of the decimal point (i.e.,card rank 1232) are numbers from 02 to 14 corresponding to card ranksfrom deuces (twos) to aces as shown in Table 12: TABLE 12 Card RankCodes Number Category 02 deuce 03 three 04 four 05 five 06 six 07 seven08 eight 09 nine 10 ten 11 jack 12 queen 13 king 14 ace

[0158] The remaining digits (i.e., percentage 1234) represent thepercentage of time the particular hand specified by hand category 1230and card rank 1232 is played according to the associated actionsequence.

[0159] For example, given a value of “1.1231”, the “1,” according toTable 11, means a pair. The next two digits, “12”, according to Table12, corresponds to “queen.” The next two digits, “31,” represent 0.31 or31% of the time. According to Table 11, if the variable having the value1,1231 represents the lowest hand with which P1 will bet, then P1 willbet with a pair of queens 31% of the time. The remaining time, P1 willpass with a pair of queens. The percentage is relevant only if thecurrent hand is of the exact rank specified by the variable. P1 willpass with the next lower hand (pair of jacks), and bet with the nexthigher hand (pair of kings).

[0160]FIG. 13 illustrates actual columns for table 1200 of FIG. 12according to an embodiment of the invention. Table 12 describes theaction sequence triggering variables identified in FIG. 13. TABLE 13Explanations of Columns of FIG. 13 Variable Column Name Definition 1382B1 Lowest hand with which P1 will bet legitimately. 1383 b1 Highest handwith which P1 will bluff-bet and fold if raised. 1384 C2 Lowest handwith which P2 calls if P1 bets. 1385 C1R Lowest hand with which P1 willcall if P2 raises. 1386 R2 Lowest hand with which P2 raises if P1 bets.1387 r2 Highest hand with which P2 bluff-raises if P1 bets. 1388 C2RRLowest hand with which P2 calls if P1 reraises. 1389 RR1 Lowest handwith which P1 reraises if P2 raises. 1390 rr1 Highest hand with which P1bluff reraises. 1391 C1 Lowest hand with which P1 calls if P2 bets afterP1 passes. 1392 B2 Lowest hand with which P2 bets if P1 passes. 1393 b2Highest hand with which P2 bluff-bets if P1 passes.

[0161] Some of the variables are used to determine P1's strategy whileothers are used for P2. Table 14 identifies the variables used for P1and the actions affected by each variable. TABLE 14 Second RoundVariables for P1 Variable Action 1 Action 2 Column Name (P1A1) (P1A2)Description 1382 B1 bet fold Lowest hand with which P1 will betlegitimately. 1383 b1 bet fold Highest hand with which P1 will bluff-betand fold if raised. 1385 C1R bet call Lowest hand with which P1 willcall if P2 raises. 1389 RR1 bet reraise Lowest hand with which P1reraises if P2 raises. 1390 rr1 bluff-bet reraise Highest hand withwhich P1 bluff-bets and reraises, if raised. 1391 C1 pass call Lowesthand with which P1 calls if P2 bets after P1 passes.

[0162] Table 15 identifies the variables for P2 and their associatedaction points. TABLE 15 Second Round Variables for P2 Variable Action 1Action 2 Column Name (P2A1) (P2A2) Description 1384 C2 call Lowest handwith which P2 calls if P1 bets. 1386 R2 raise fold Lowest hand withwhich P2 raises if P1 bets. 1387 r2 bluff- fold Highest hand with whichraise P2 bluff-raises if P1 bets. 1388 C2RR raise call Lowest hand withwhich P2 calls if P1 reraises. 1392 B2 bet fold Lowest hand with whichP2 bets if P1 passes. 1393 b2 bluff-bet fold Highest hand with which P2bluff-bets if P1 passes.

[0163] Referring to FIG. 13, each row of table 1200 corresponds to aparticular game situation at the end of the first round/beginning of thesecond round in terms of the number of cards drawn by each player andthe size of the pot. For each player, there are six possible number ofcards drawn: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Accordingly, there are 36 different drawvariations for each pot size. In FIG. 13, table 1200 contains 72 rows,which correspond to 36 draw variations for each of two pot sizes. Thefirst 36 rows of FIG. 13 (i.e., rows 1301-1336) correspond to a pot sizeof 3 (each player having anted ½ and bet 1). Rows 1337-1372 correspondto a pot size of 5 (each player having anted ½ and bet 2). For each setof 36 rows, the first row corresponds to P1 drawing 0 cards, P2 drawing0 cards. The second row corresponds to P1 drawing 0 cards, P2 drawing 1card. The third row corresponds to P1 drawing 0 cards, P2 drawing 2cards, and so on. The general formula that determines, for each set of36 rows, the row number that corresponds to a draw variation is:

[0164] 1.Pot Size 3:

[0165] Row Number=[(no. of cards P1 draws)(6)+(no. of cards P2draws)+1]; and

[0166] 2. Pot Size 5:

[0167] Row Number=[(no. of cards P1 draws)(6)+(no. of cards P2draws)+37].

[0168] For example, if P1 draws 3 cards and P2 draws 5 cards, thecorresponding row number within a set of 36 rows is:

[(3)(6)+(5)+1]=Row 24

[0169] Accordingly, if the pot is three after the first round, for agame in which P1 draws 3 cards and P2 draws 5 cards, the row thatapplies is row 24 of the table 1200. If the pot is five, the row thatapplies is row 60 (24+36).

[0170] To use table 1200, a determination is made as to which gamesituation (number of cards drawn by each player and size of pot)applies. The appropriate row number is identified, and the variablevalues corresponding to P1 or P2 as appropriate are extracted fromcolumns 1382-1393 of that row. The values of the variables can be usedto identify action sequence intervals. The current hand is compared tothe hands indicated by the variable values, and a determination is madeas to the location of the current hand with respect to action sequenceintervals defined by the variables. The indicated action sequence isthen followed.

[0171]FIG. 14 illustrates the action sequence intervals given samplevalues for the action sequence triggering variables according to oneembodiment of the invention. Row 1358 of table 1200 (see FIG. 16B) isillustrated having values in columns 1382-1393 for the action sequencetriggering variables. Row 1358 corresponds to the row of table 1200 thatis used when both P1 and P2 drew three cards in the first round, and thepot is equal to 5. In this example, P2 is the simulated player and P2'shand after the draw is two pair with a pair of kings being the highestpair. P2's hand thus has a value, using the format 1230 of Tables 11, 12and 13, of “2.13” (2=two pairs, 13=kings). The applicable row of thetable of 1200 is [(3)(6)+3+1+36]=58 (i.e., row 1358).

[0172] In FIG. 14, the values in columns 1382-1393 and their associatedvariables are aligned along hand strength axes 1406 (P1 variables) and1408 (P2 variables). The corresponding action choices are indicated bybars 1402, 1404, 1410, 1412, and 1414.

[0173] A player's hand is translated into a value that specifies handcategory 1230 and card rank 1232 using Tables 11, 12, and 13. The valueis placed along the player's hand strength axis (e.g., axes 1406 or1408). For P1, the position of the value along a hand strength axis isused as a reference to the action choices 1402 for P1A2 and actionchoices 1404 for P1A1. Similarly, the position of P2's hand value alongaxis 1408 is used as a reference to the action choices 1410 and 1414 forP2A1 and action choices 1412 for P2A2.

[0174] For example, the values for variables C2, R2, r2, C2RR, B2 and b2are used to position the variables along hand strength axis 1408. P2'shand is used to calculate a hand value of 2.13 as discussed above.Looking at hand strength axis 1408, it is found that P2's hand of 2.13falls between B2 (1.1039) and R2 (2.1422). The action sequence indicatedfor P2A1 given P2's current hand, as shown in action choices 1410 and1414, is to call if P1 bets (action choices 1410), and to bet if P1passes (action choices 1414).

[0175]FIG. 15 provides a second round process flow that uses table 1200of FIGS. 12-14 according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0176] At step 1502, the row of table 1200 is calculated using the potsize and draw information. At step 1504, the values for the actionsequence triggering variables are retrieved for table 1200. A value iscalculated for the simulated player's hand at step 1506. At step 1508,the positioning of the hand's value is determined relative to thevariables positioned along the hand strength axis. At step 1510, anaction is identified from the action choices.

[0177] Percentage 1234 associated with a variable is used where theplayer's hand is the exact rank specified for the variable. Thus, atstep 1512, a determination is made at step 1512 whether the current handis equal to the rank specified in the variable. If not, the actionspecified by the variable identified in step 1508 is adopted at step1514. If so, a determination is made at step 1512 to determine whetherthe variable's percentage 1234 is greater than or equal to the randomnumber. If it is, processing continues at step 1514 to use the actionassociated with the variable identified in step 1508. If not, processingcontinues at step 1516 to select the action different from the actionassociated with the variable specified for the next higher or lower handthan the hand specified in the variable, as appropriate. For example, inthe previous example, if P2 has a pair of aces (2.14), P2 will raise ifthe random number is less than or equal to 0.22 (since r2=2.1422).Otherwise, P2 will call (the action indicated for the next lower hand)with its pair of aces.

[0178] FIGS. 16A-16B provide values for action sequence triggeringvariables for example pot sizes of 3 and 5 discussed above. FIG. 16Aincludes rows 1301-1336 used for a post size of 3. FIG. 16B has rows1337-1372 for a pot size of 5.

Method of Playing Multiple Contests and Game System for Multiple ContestPlay

[0179] One or more embodiments of the invention comprise a method ofplaying or participating in multiple contests or games (the terms“contest” and “game” are used interchangeably herein and each term isintended to include the other) using one or more related cards or handsof cards and a game system permitting a user-player to play multiplecontests simultaneously or sequentially using one or more related cardsor hands of cards. In accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention, one or more cards are dealt to one or more real or simulatedplayers for playing a first contest and one or more of these cards arealso used to play at least one second contest. In one or moreembodiments, a user is allowed to play the second contest(s) regardlessof whether or not the user completes the first contest. That is, theuser may play the second contest even if the user loses or folds in thefirst contest. In one or more embodiments, the user is allowed to playthe second contest(s) only if the user completes all or part of thefirst contest. Other criteria to determine whether a user is permittedto play additional contests other than the first contest may be used aswell.

[0180] In one embodiment, at least one of the first and/or secondcontests comprises a card game, such as poker or blackjack. In anotherembodiment, at least one of the contests comprises a video-poker typegame in which a payout is based on a predetermined payout table.

[0181] Several example embodiments of the invention are described below.Although the embodiments are generally described for high-ball versionsof example poker games, it will be understood that low-ball, high-low,and other versions and variations of such games are included as well.

Five Card Draw And At Least One Additional Contest

[0182] In one embodiment of the invention, a user-player is permitted toplay both a “Five Card Draw” poker game and at least one second contest,for example a video-poker type game in which a set comprising one ormore cards is compared against a predetermined payoff table or staticevaluator. An embodiment of such an arrangement is disclosed above inconjunction with the intelligent gaming system aspect of the invention.However, the invention does not require the use of an intelligent gamingsystem. For example, non-intelligent gaming systems may be used.Additional aspects of the invention as it applies to one or moreembodiments of the invention, including variations in payouts, contests,optional play arrangements and jackpots, are described in more detailbelow.

Texas Hold'em And At Least One Additional Contest

[0183] In one embodiment of the invention, a user-player is permitted toplay both a “Texas Hold'em” poker game and a video-poker type game.

[0184] The poker game “Texas Hold'em” is well known to those of skill inthe art, and will only be described briefly herein. In general, thegame, when played as a table game, begins with one or more “blind” betsto the left of the dealer. “Blind” bets are bets which are required if aplayer wishes to remain in the game and see his or her cards. In somecases, the first player to the left of the dealer is called the “smallblind” and is required to place half of a small bet. The player to theleft of the “small blind” is often called the “big blind” and may berequired to place an entire small bet.

[0185] If there are only two players, a variation may be used. In a twoplayer contest, the first player to act may be required to place the bigblind and the second player to act may be required to place the smallblind. In another arrangement, antes instead of blinds are used in a twoplayer game.

[0186] After the blind bets have been placed, all players receive twocards face down from a dealer or dealer/player. These cards are calledthe player's “hole” cards, and are also sometimes referred to as “thepocket.” The dealing of the hole cards is followed by a round ofbetting. In many instances, the first round of betting starts with theplayer to the left of the “big blind,” who is said to be “under thegun,” because that player is required to match or raise the bet of the“big blind” to stay in the game.

[0187] In general, during the first round of betting, a player must callthe bet(s) or, if permitted, raise the bet(s) to remain in the game andsee his or her “hole” cards. If the a player does not call or raise,then the player folds and is no longer permitted to participate in thegame (unless the player is also the dealer, in which case the dealercontinues to deal the game).

[0188] After the first round of betting is complete, three cards aredealt into a community area (such as the middle of the table when thegame is being played at a poker table). These cards, often called the“flop,” are community cards and may be used by each player along withhis or her hole cards to create a poker hand. After viewing his or herhole cards and considering the flop cards, a second round of bettingensues for each player remaining in the game. Betting begins with thefirst player remaining in the game (hereinafter generally referred to asan “active player”) to the dealer's left. Each active player may call,raise or fold.

[0189] After the second round of betting, a fourth card is dealt face upinto the community area. This card is often called the “turn” card. Athird round of betting then ensues, starting again with the first activeplayer to the dealer's left. Again, each active player may call, raiseor fold.

[0190] After the third round of betting, a fifth card is dealt face upinto the community area. This card is often called the “river” card. Atthis time, each active player has two “hole” cards of his or her own,along with five community cards from which the player can select fivecards to make up the player's five card poker hand. A player may wish touse one, two, or none of his or her “hole” cards to make his or herhand.

[0191] A final round of betting ensues, again starting with the firstactive player to the dealer's left. At the end of the final bettinground, a player is the winner if all other players (including thedealer/player) have folded. If more than one player remains in the gameafter the final betting round, the winner is determined by a showdown.The winner of the pot containing all of the bets is the player havingthe highest ranking poker hand, in accordance with the rankingsdescribed with respect to Tables 1 and 2 above. If two or more playershave identically ranked hands, then the pot is split evenly betweenthem.

[0192] In one or more embodiments of the invention, each player whoparticipates in the Texas Hold'em game, even those that do not remainactive until the showdown, may be permitted to participate in at leastone second contest or game. In one embodiment, the additional contest isa video-poker type game in which a card hand applicable to a player iscompared against a predetermined payout table to determine if the playeris a winner. An embodiment of this type of contest is disclosed in greatdetail above in the section entitled “Payout and Static Evaluator.”

[0193] In one embodiment, each player who enters the Texas Hold'em game,whether or not they fold before the end of the game, is given theopportunity to make their best poker hand from their two “hole” cardsand the five “community” cards. This hand is then compared against apayout table or other winning determinant to determine whether theplayer is entitled to a payout for the second contest. In otherembodiments, described below, one or more other combinations of cardsutilized during play of the Texas Hold'em game may be used in additionalcontest(s).

[0194] In another embodiment, described in greater detail below, onlythose players of the Texas Hold'em game who participate in the showdownare permitted to participate in the second contest. In yet anotherarrangement, disclosed in greater detail below, only the winner (orwinners, if there are multiple winners of the game) of the Texas Hold'emgame may be permitted to participate in the additional contest(s). Anyother criteria may be used to determine whether a player may participatein an additional contest.

[0195] As disclosed below, the additional contest or contests may beother than a video-poker type game in which a card hand is comparedagainst a payoff or payout table. Additional aspects of the invention asit applies to this embodiment, including variations in payouts,contests, optional play arrangements and jackpots, are described in moredetail below.

Omaha Hold'em And At Least One Additional Contest

[0196] In one embodiment of the invention, one or more players arepermitted to play both Omaha Hold'em and at least one additional contestusing one or more related cards used in the Omaha Hold'em game.

[0197] Omaha Hold'em is a poker game which is similar to Texas Hold'em.In the game of Omaha Hold'em, however, each player is dealt four “hole”cards after entering the game. Further, each player must use exactlythree of the “community” cards in making their best poker hand.

[0198] In one embodiment of the invention, one or more players arepermitted to play Omaha Hold'em and at least the game of video-poker. Inone arrangement, one or more of the player's cards (which may includethe community cards, as disclosed below) from the Omaha Hold'em game arecompared against a predetermined payout or payoff table.

[0199] In one embodiment, each player who participates in the OmahaHold'em game, whether or not they remain active until the showdown, ispermitted to participate in the additional contest(s). In oneembodiment, each player makes their best poker hand by selecting fivecards from their four “hole” cards and the three of five “community”cards. This hand is then compared against a payout table or otherwinning determinant to determine if the player is entitled to a payoutfor the additional contest. In other embodiments, described below, oneor more other combinations of cards from the Omaha Hold'em game may beused in the additional contest(s). Any other criteria may be used todetermine whether a player may participate in an additional contest.

[0200] In another embodiment, described in greater detail below, onlythose players of the Omaha Hold'em game who participate in the showdownare permitted to participate in the additional contest. In yet anotherembodiment disclosed in greater detail below, only the winner(s) of theOmaha Hold'em game is allowed to participate in the additionalcontest(s). Any other criteria may be used to determine whether a playermay participate in an additional contest.

[0201] As disclosed below, the additional contest or contests may beother than a video-poker type game in which a card hand is comparedagainst a payoff or payout table. Additional aspects of the invention asit applies to this embodiment, including variations in payouts, games,optional play arrangements and jackpots, are described in more detailbelow.

Pineapple Hold'em And At Least One Additional Contest

[0202] In one embodiment of the invention, one or more players arepermitted to play both Pineapple Hold'em and at least one additionalcontest using one or more related cards used in the Pineapple Hold'emgame.

[0203] Pineapple Hold'em is a variation of other Hold'em poker games(such as Texas Hold'em) in which each player is dealt three face down“hole” cards and is forced to discard at least one of these cards atsome point during the game. In the case of a Pineapple version of thegame Texas Hold'em (disclosed in detail above), each player remaining inthe game eventually makes their best hand from two “hole” cards (thethird having been discarded) and the five “community” cards.

[0204] In one embodiment of the invention, one or more players arepermitted to play Pineapple Hold'em and at least the game ofvideo-poker. In one embodiment, one or more of the cards (which mayinclude the community cards, as disclosed below) from the PineappleHold'em game are used in the play of the video-poker type game andcompared against a predetermined payout or payoff table.

[0205] In one embodiment, each player who participates in the PineappleHold'em game is permitted to participate in the additional contest. Inone embodiment, the player's best five card hand from the “community”and “hole” cards is used in the additional contest. In otherembodiments, described below, one or more other combinations of cardsfrom the Pineapple Hold'em game may be used in the additionalcontest(s), such as solely the “community” cards.

[0206] In another embodiment, described in greater detail below, onlythose players of the Pineapple Hold'em game who participate in theshowdown are permitted to participate in the additional contest. In yetanother embodiment disclosed in greater detail below, only the winner(s)of the Pineapple Hold'em game are allowed to participate in theadditional contest(s). Any other criteria may be used to determinewhether a player may participate in an additional contest.

[0207] As disclosed below, the additional contest or contests may beother than a video-poker type game in which a card hand is comparedagainst a payoff or payout table. Additional aspects of the invention asit applies to this embodiment, including variations in payouts, games,optional play arrangements and jackpots, are described in more detailbelow.

Seven Card Stud And At Least One Additional Contest

[0208] In one embodiment of the invention, one or more players arepermitted to play both Seven Card Stud and at least one additionalcontest using one or more related cards used in the Seven Card Studgame.

[0209] The poker game “Seven Card Stud” is well known to those of skillin the art, and will only be described briefly herein. In general, thegame begins with each player placing an ante to participate in the game.After the antes have been placed, each player receives two cards facedown and a single card face up from the dealer/player.

[0210] The dealing of the first three cards to each player is followedby a round of betting. In many instances, betting starts with the playerhaving the lowest ranked face-up card (if two players have the sameranked cards, such as a 2, then the suits of the cards in alphabeticalorder determine the order of betting). Each subsequent player isrequired to call or raise the bet to stay in the game, otherwise theplayer folds.

[0211] After the first round of betting, another card (the fourth card)is dealt face up to each active player. A second round of betting thenensues. The second and subsequent rounds of betting generally start withthe player having the highest hand comprised of the “up” cards.

[0212] Each active player then receives another card face-up (the fifthcard). A third round of betting then ensues.

[0213] Each active player then receives another card face-up (a sixthcard). A fourth round of betting then ensues.

[0214] Each active player then receives a final, seventh card,face-down. A final round of betting ensues. The winner of the game isthe sole active player (i.e. the only player who has not folded), orwhen multiple active players remain, the player who wins the showdown byhaving the highest ranking poker hand comprised of five of his or herseven cards.

[0215] In one embodiment of the invention, one or more players arepermitted to play Seven Card Stud and at least the game of video-poker.In one embodiment, one or more of the player's cards from the Seven CardStud game are compared against a predetermined payout or payoff table.In other embodiments, described below, one or more other combinations ofcards utilized during play of the Seven Card Stud game may be used inthe additional contest(s).

[0216] In one embodiment, each player who participates in the Seven CardStud game is permitted to participate in the additional contest. Inanother embodiment, described in greater detail below, only thoseplayers of the Seven Card Stud game who participate in the showdown arepermitted to participate in the additional contest. In yet anotherembodiment disclosed in greater detail below, only the winner of theSeven Card Stud game is allowed to participate in the additionalcontest(s). Any other criteria may be used to determine whether a playermay participate in an additional contest.

[0217] As disclosed below, the additional contest or contests may beother than a video-poker type game in which a card hand is comparedagainst a payoff or payout table. Additional aspects of the invention asit applies to this embodiment, including variations in payouts, games,optional play arrangements and jackpots, are described in more detailbelow.

Five Card Stud And At Least One Additional Contest

[0218] In one embodiment of the invention, one or more players arepermitted to play both Five Card Stud and at least one additionalcontest using one or more related cards used in the Five Card Stud game.

[0219] The poker game Five Card Stud is similar to that of Seven CardStud, except that each player is dealt only five cards and their pokerhand comprises these five cards.

[0220] Again, this game is well known and so the game and its variety ofvariations are not set forth in detail herein. In general, the gamestarts with each player placing an ante and receiving a first down cardand a first up card from the dealer.

[0221] As in the game of Seven Card Stud, a first round of bettingensues, starting with the player having the lowest ranking up-card. Eachactive player (at a given round) receives third, fourth and fifth cardsin third, fourth and fifth rounds, each round of cards followed by around of betting. The third, fourth and fifth cards may be all dealtface-up or one or more of the cards may be dealt face-up and othersface-down.

[0222] Each player makes the highest ranking poker hand from his or herfive cards. If a single player remains after any round of betting, thatplayer is the winner. In the event more than one player remains in thegame, a showdown occurs with the winner being that player with thehighest ranking poker hand (see Table 1 above).

[0223] In one embodiment of the invention, one or more players arepermitted to play Five Card Stud and at least the game of video-poker.

[0224] In one embodiment, each player who participates in the Five CardStud game is permitted to participate in the additional contest, forexample by comparing their best five card poker hand against a payouttable or other winning determinant to determine if the player isentitled to a payout for the additional contest. In other embodiments,described below, one or more other combinations of cards utilized duringplay of the Five Card Stud game may be used in the additionalcontest(s).

[0225] In another embodiment, described in greater detail below, onlythose players of the Five Card Stud game who participate in the showdownof the Five Card Stud game are permitted to participate in theadditional contest. In yet another embodiment disclosed in greaterdetail below, only the winner of the Five Card Stud game is allowed toparticipate in the additional contest(s). Any other criteria may be usedto determine whether a player may participate in an additional contest.

[0226] As disclosed below, the additional contest or contests may beother than a video-poker type game in which a card hand is comparedagainst a payoff or payout table. Additional aspects of the invention asit applies to this embodiment, including variations in payouts, games,optional play arrangements and jackpots, are described in more detailbelow.

Lowball And At Least One Additional Contest

[0227] In one embodiment of the invention, one or more players arepermitted to play both Lowball and at least one additional contest usingone or more related cards used in the Lowball game.

[0228] Lowball is, essentially, a variant of the poker game of Five CardDraw (described in detail above). In this game, however, the winner ofthe game is the player with the lowest ranking five card hand. Ingeneral, the rankings of the hands is the same as that listed in Table 1above.

[0229] In one variation of this game, straights and flushes are ignored,and aces are the lowest ranked card. In this variation, called“California,” the lowest ranking possible hand is A2345. In anothervariation of the game called “Kansas City,” straights and flushes arenot ignored, aces are the highest ranked card, and the lowest rankinghand possible is 23457.

[0230] In one embodiment of the invention, one or more players arepermitted to play Lowball and at least the game of video-poker. In oneembodiment, the video-poker game is arranged to reward “low” rankinghands. In another embodiment, the video-poker game may be arranged toreward high ranking hands in a manner similar to the payout embodimentin Table 5. As disclosed below, a variety of combinations of cards usedin the Lowball game may be used in the play of the additional contest.

[0231] In one embodiment, each player who participates in the Lowballgame is permitted to participate in the additional contest(s). Inanother embodiment, described in greater detail below, only thoseplayers of the Lowball game who participate in the showdown arepermitted to participate in the additional contest. In yet anotherarrangement disclosed in greater detail below, only the winner of theLowball game is permitted to participate in the additional contest(s).Any other criteria may also be used to determine whether a player mayparticipate in an additional contest.

[0232] As disclosed below, the additional contest or contests may beother than a video-poker type game in which a card hand is comparedagainst a payoff or payout table. Additional aspects of the invention asit applies to this embodiment, including variations in payouts, games,optional play arrangements and jackpots, are described in more detailbelow.

Game Combinations

[0233] The invention is not limited to the play of poker type games. Forexample, the method and game system may be arranged to permit auser-player to play the game “21” or “Blackjack” along with a poker typegame (e.g. “five card stud,” “five card draw,” “Texas Hold'em,”video-poker type gaming or other poker games such as those disclosedabove). The method and game system may also be arranged to permit auser-player to play a wide variety and combination of other games.

[0234] The method and game system may permit the play of more than twocontests with the same set of one or more related cards. By way ofexample, although the invention is not so limited, the game system maypermit one or more players to play Texas Hold'em, video-poker and“Blackjack” with the same set of one or more related cards.

[0235] The particular order of participation in and evaluation of thecontests may vary from those disclosed above. For example, the firstcontest may comprise video-type poker. In on example of such anembodiment the first contest may be video-type poker and the additionalcontest Seven Card Stud. In that instance, the user-player may receivefive cards for the play of the video-type poker game and then twoadditional cards for the play of the Seven Card Stud game.

[0236] In the embodiments of the invention disclosed above, the firstand additional contests are described as generally being playedsequentially. The first and additional contests may also be playedsimultaneously, or a combination of simultaneously and sequentially. Byway of example, a video-poker game and Five Card Stud may be playedsimultaneously. In one embodiment, five cards dealt to a user-player areused to both determine the outcome of the Five Card Stud game and apayout based on a predetermined video-poker type payout table.

[0237] In one or more embodiments of the invention, a user-player mayplay more than one of the same contests either simultaneously orsequentially utilizing one or more common cards or hands. For example, auser-player may play two games of Seven Card Stud simultaneously, eachgame having its own pot or potential payout, using one or more commoncards for both games. In another example, a user-player may play twoHold'em games simultaneously, using the same hole cards, but havingdifferent community cards available in each game. A large number orother variations are possible, as will be apparent to those skilled inthe art.

Payout Variations

[0238] In one or more embodiments of the invention, a winner orwinner(s) of the first and/or additional contests are awarded a payoutor payoff The particular payout may be based on amounts bet, such as thepot, or a predetermined payout schedule. The payout may comprise money,goods, or one or more other items of value.

[0239] In one or more embodiments of the invention, there may be morethan one “winner” of a particular game. As disclosed above, in TexasHold'em two or more players may be “co-winners” and split the pot. Inthe case of a video-poker type game, each participating player who has ahand which meets a predetermined criteria is a winner. This is true eventhough one player may have a higher ranking hand of cards than anotherplayer.

[0240] Several specific payout arrangements have been disclosed inconjunction with the embodiments of the invention set forth above. Awide variety of other payout arrangements are included within the scopeof this invention.

[0241] In one embodiment, payouts are based on one or more of theuser-player's cards. For example, with regard to the example of amulti-contest embodiment comprising the games of Seven Card Stud andvideo-poker, payouts for the video-poker game may be based on theplayer's best five card poker hand from his or her seven card hand.

[0242] In one embodiment, payouts are based on one or more of theplayer's cards including common or “community” cards. For example, withregard to the example of a multi-game embodiment comprising TexasHold'em and video-poker, payouts for the video-poker game may be basedon the player's best five card hand including one or more of the“community” cards.

[0243] In one embodiment, payouts are based solely on the “community”cards. For example, with regard to the example of a multi-gameembodiment comprising Texas Hold'em and video-poker, payouts for thevideo-poker game may be based on the hand of five “community” cards.

[0244] In one or more embodiments, payouts are based on the cards of thegaming system, dealer, house, another player or other entity that theplayer is playing against or with. For example, with regard to theexample of a multi-game system comprising five card stud and video-pokerand one of the “players” is an intelligent or non-intelligent gamingmachine, payouts for the video-poker game may be based on the best handbelonging to the gaming system.

[0245] In one embodiment, payouts are based on more than one of theabove criteria or other combinations of cards or criteria. For example,with regard to the example of a multi-game embodiment comprising TexasHold'em and video-poker, payouts for the video-poker game may be basedon the better of the player's best five card hand from his or her holecards and the community cards or the five card hand comprised solely ofthe community cards.

[0246] In one or more other embodiments, payouts in the additionalcontest may be based on a card or combination of cards from the firstcontest that are not five card combinations. For example, in the case ofthe combination of Omaha Hold'em and video-poker, the payouts of thevideo-poker game may be based on the best four card combination of theplayer's four “hole” cards from the Omaha Hold'em game. As anotherexample, the payouts may be based on more than five cards. For example,in the case of a video-poker/Omaha Hold'em combination, payouts may bebased on a player's four hole cards and all five community cards. In oneembodiment, payouts may be based on the best combination of cardspermitted with nine cards. In another embodiment, the payouts may bebased on the best two hand combinations of five cards and four cards(i.e. a player may be rewarded where these nine cards can be dividedinto a four card four-of-a-kind hand and a five card royal flush).

[0247] In other embodiments of the invention, one or more payouts may beawarded based on a one, two, three or other number combination of cards.

[0248] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the amount of awining payout depends on the amount bet by a player. For example, if aplayer places a bet, such as one coin, the payout for a particularwinning hand may be 10 times the bet, or ten coins. On the other hand,if the player places a bigger bet, such as two coins, the payout for aparticular winning hand my be 20 times the bet, or twenty coins. Ofcourse, what the player is permitted to bet may vary, such as, in thecase of coins, pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, dollars or the like,or the player may be able to debit selected amounts from a credit amountestablished by the player.

[0249] In one or more embodiments of the invention, a player may berequired to place more than one bet if the player wishes to participatein the possible payout of more than one card combination. For example,in the case of the combinations of the games Seven Card Stud andvideo-type poker, a player may be required to place only one bet to beentitled to a payoff for a winning hand from the player's seven cards inthe video-poker game. The player may be required, however, to place asecond bet, either additional to or separate from a first bet, if theplayer is to be entitled to a payoff based on a winning hand from theplayer's four up-card hand. In addition, a player may be required toplace an additional or different bet if the player wishes to obtain apayout based on a winning card or cards belonging to another player, thedealer or a gaming machine. For example, a player may be required toplace an additional bet to be entitled to a payout for a winning handbelonging to the gaming machine in a video-poker game portion of a SevenCard Stud/video-poker gaming system combination.

[0250] Examples of payout arrangements for example embodiments ofcombinations of games set forth above are as follows:

[0251] (a) Five Card Draw and video-poker: a pot or payout may beawarded to the winner(s) of the Five Card Draw game, and a payout orpayoff may be awarded to each player participating in the video-pokergame based on their hand from the Five Card Draw game and/or fromanother player's hand and/or the hand of the house, dealer or gamingmachine (in the case where one or more players are playing against agaming machine).

[0252]FIG. 17 illustrates a payoff table that may be used in anembodiment that comprises a combination of Five Card Draw and videopoker. As shown in FIG. 17, each player who places a bet of at least onecoin is awarded a payout if that player holds a pair in the player'sfive card hand from the Five Card Draw and/or video-poker games. Thehigher rank a player's hand, the higher the payoff. In addition, thepayoff to a player increases when the player has placed bets higher thanone coin.

[0253] (b) Pineapple Hold'em or Texas Hold'em and video-poker: a pot orpayout may be awarded to the winner(s) of the Texas or Pineapple Hold'emgame, and a payout or payoff may be awarded to each player participatingin the video-poker game based on a hand made up from one or more of thecommunity cards and/or the player's or another player's, the dealer'sand/or a gaming machine's hand.

[0254] The payoffs for a winner of a video-poker game portion ofembodiments of the invention may be determined from payoff tables suchas those illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18. In one or more embodiments, ifa player places a bet on the five community cards, a payoff may beawarded in accordance with the table in FIG. 17. If a player places abet on the best five card hand from the player's seven available cards(comprising the player's hole cards and the community cards), payoffsmay be awarded in accordance with FIG. 18. In addition, if a playerplaces a bet on the best five card hand from the seven cards belongingor available to another player, the dealer or a gaming machine, payoutsmay also be awarded in accordance with the table illustrated in FIG. 18.

[0255] (c) Seven Card Stud and video-poker: a pot or payout may beawarded to the winner(s) of the Seven Card Stud game, and a payout maybe awarded to the player(s) of the video-poker game based on a player'sseven card hand and/or the player's four face-up cards, and/or theplayer's two original or final three hole cards.

[0256] The payoffs for a winner of the video-poker game in one or moreembodiments may be determined from payoff tables such as thoseillustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19. If a player places a bet on the player'sbest five card hand from the player's seven available cards, a payoffmay be awarded in accordance with the table in FIG. 18. If a playerplaces a bet on the player's best four card hand from the player's fourup-cards, payoffs may be awarded in accordance with FIG. 19.

[0257] (d) Five Card Stud and video-poker: a pot or payout may beawarded to the winner(s) of the Five Card Stud game, and a payout may beawarded to the player(s) of the video-poker game based on the player'sfive card hand and/or the five card hand of the dealer, house, and orgaming machine.

[0258]FIG. 17 illustrates a payoff table that may be applied to variouscombinations of such games. As shown in FIG. 17, each player who placesa bet of at least one coin is awarded a payout if that player holds aminimum of a pair in the player's five card hand from the Five Card Studand/or video-poker games. The higher rank a player's hand, the higherthe payoff. In addition, the payoff to a player increases when theplayer has placed bets higher than one coin.

[0259] (e) Omaha Hold'em and video-poker: a pot or payout may be awardedto the winner(s) of the Omaha Hold'em game, and a payout may be awardedto the player(s) of the video-poker game based on the player's nineavailable cards (the player's four hole cards and five community cards)and/or the player's four hole cards only and/or the four hole cards ofthe dealer, house, and/or gaming machine.

[0260] The payoffs for a winner of the video-poker game in one or moreembodiments may be determined from payoff tables such as thoseillustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19. If a player places a bet on the player'sor another player's or dealer's or gaming machine's hole cards, a payoffmay be awarded in accordance with the table of FIG. 19. If a playerplaces a bet on the five community cards, payoffs may be awarded inaccordance with the table of FIG. 17. If a player places a bet on theplayer's or another player's, dealer's, and/or gaming machine's fivecard hand made from the hole and community cards using “Omaha” rules, apayoff may be awarded in accordance with the table of FIG. 20.

[0261] (f) Lowball and video-poker: a pot or payout may be awarded tothe winner(s) of the Lowball game, and a payout may be awarded to theplayer(s) of the video-poker game based on the player's five cardsand/or the hand or cards belonging to the dealer, house, and/or gamingmachine.

[0262]FIG. 21 illustrates a payoff table which may be applied to one ormore embodiments of the video-poker game. If a player places a bet onthe player's or another player's, dealer's, and or gaming machine's handof cards, a payoff may be awarded in accordance with the table of FIG.21.

[0263] (g) Payouts for other card combinations. In a variety of gamecombinations a payout may be awarded for hands comprising one, two orother number of cards. By way of example, during the play of a Five CardStud game, a player may be entitled to play an additional contest afterthe first two cards have been dealt. In the instance when an additionalcontest comprises a video-poker type game in which two cards arecompared against predetermined criteria, a payout table such as thatillustrated in FIG. 22 may be used. In an embodiment in which anadditional contest comprises a video-poker type game in which threecards are compared against predetermined criteria, a payout table suchas that illustrated in FIG. 23 may be used.

Game Play Options

[0264] In accordance with the invention, and as may be appreciated bythose of skill in the art, the contest(s) described above need not beplayed exactly as described above. Any variety of other play variationsare contemplated.

[0265] In one embodiment of the invention, a player is permitted to playan additional contest or contests regardless of whether the playercompletes the first game. For example, if the first game is TexasHold'em, the player may be permitted to play the additional contest(s)even if the player folds before the completion of the Texas Hold'emgame.

[0266] In another embodiment, if a player does not complete the firstgame, the player is not permitted to play the additional contest(s). Forexample, if the first game is Texas Hold'em, the player is not permittedto participate in the additional contest(s) if the player folds at anytime before a winner(s) is declared.

[0267] In another embodiment, even if a player does not complete thefirst game, the player is permitted to participate in the additionalcontest upon placing an additional bet or sum.

[0268] The particular betting structure for each game may vary. Forexample, limit or pot betting may be employed at one or more stages ineach game. Variations of betting are well known to those of skill in theart or within the knowledge of those of skill in the art. As an example,in the game of Texas Hold'em, when limit betting is employed, the betsin the third and fourth rounds (i.e. after the “turn” and “river” cardsare dealt) are often two times the size of the required bets of theprevious rounds.

[0269] In one or more embodiments, a player may be required to placespecific bets at particular times in order to continue to play a game orto be entitled to play another game. For example, a player may berequired to place a bet at the beginning of play, or at or before someother predetermined time(s) during play, of the first game to bepermitted to play one or more additional contests.

[0270] In some instances, one or more additional cards may be dealt to aplayer participating in an additional contest for use with one or morecards from the first contest. For example, in a game of Seven Card Stud,if a player has an opportunity to play an additional video-poker typegame after the first three cards of the player's Seven Card Stud handare dealt, the player may be dealt an additional two cards. Thisarrangement permits the player to play a five card hand in the second oradditional contest(s). In one or more embodiments, the player may havethe opportunity to select the additional contest(s) played. For example,the player in the above-described embodiment may be permitted to decideto “stand pat” and play the player's three card hand (in a contest thatutilizes comparison to a predetermined three card payout table) or bepermitted to receive additional cards to play a five card hand in theadditional contest. In addition, in one or more embodiments, a playermay be permitted to discard and draw cards. For example, such asituation occurs in an embodiment in which the player is permitted toplay Five Card Draw as the additional contest.

[0271] Those of skill in the art will appreciate the numerous ways theinvention may be adapted to different card game variations. For example,in one variation of the poker game Omaha Hold'em known as “hi/lo,” inthe event of a showdown, the players having the highest and lowestranking hands are co-winners, splitting the pot or other payout. In thisembodiment, for the “lo” hand winner to win, his or her hand may need tobe of a certain low rank, such as containing no card having a rankgreater than an 8. In addition, the players may select different cardsfrom their pool of available cards to create high and lo ranking hands,and players may tie with high and/or low ranking hands.

[0272] Of course, the method and multiple contest system described mayutilize the intelligent poker playing system of the invention. Aspecific arrangement of this embodiment of the invention is disclosedabove, where a player is permitted to play Five Card Draw against anintelligent gaming machine and uses one or more cards from the Five CardDraw game in an additional contest using a predetermined payoff table.

[0273] The multiple contest method and system of the invention may beplayed by one or more “live” players and a gaining machine (intelligentor non-intelligent), or by one or more “live” players against oneanother. In addition, games or gaming machines may be linked to permitlinking of pots, jackpots and player's hands across multiple machines.In one or more embodiments, for example, a player playing a first gameon one gaming machine may select an additional contest from a contestbeing played on one or more other gaming machines linked to the firstgaming machine.

Jackpots

[0274] As one aspect of the invention, one or more jackpots may beawarded to a user-player in one or more situations. The term “jackpot”as used herein is intended to mean a sum, payout or award which isdifferent than a payout which is normally awarded to a winner of a firstand/or additional contest. In some instances, a jackpot may be awardedto a player who was not a winner of a particular contest(s).

[0275] The jackpot may comprise, for example, the payment of sums inaddition to the normal amounts paid in a payout. The jackpot may have anumber of sources or basis. For example, the jackpot may be formed froman accumulation of “side-bets” which each player must place at thebeginning of each game if the player wishes to participate in thejackpot aspect of the game. The jackpot may be paid by the house. Thejackpot may be determined in accordance with a predetermined jackpotpayout table, be based on the amount of the pot in a game, the amountbet by a player or a wide variety of other criteria.

[0276] A variety of criteria may be utilized to determine whether ajackpot is payable to a player or players. In one or more embodiments ofthe invention, a jackpot may be payable to a player or players of thefirst and/or additional contest(s) of the multi-game system.

[0277] In one embodiment, a jackpot is awarded to a player or playerswho are not winners of one or both of the first and/or additionalcontests but whose cards or hand meets a predetermined criteria. Thisarrangement may be referred to as a “bad beat” jackpot, indicating thatthe player's cards or hand is sufficiently good to be awarded a jackpotamount, but did not win any of the contests. Generally, thepredetermined criteria is relatively high.

[0278] As an example, when the game system is utilized to play bothTexas Hold'em and video poker, the winning player of the Texas Hold'emgame may have a hand of AAAAJ. A losing player may have the hand KKKKQ.In such an instance, the losing player may be rewarded for having a highlosing hand (a “bad beat”) and be awarded a jackpot amount.

[0279] In another embodiment, a jackpot may be awarded when two playersor a player and the house/machine have hands meeting predeterminedcriteria. For example, a jackpot may be awarded to a player having afull house when the machine against which he or she is playing also hasa full house. In another example, other combinations of hands may bespecified as the criteria. For example, a jackpot may be awarded if themachine has four-of-a-kind and the player has a straight. Any othercombination of hands can be used as the criteria.

[0280] In another embodiment, a jackpot or additional payout may beawarded when two players or a player and the house or gaming machinehave the same combination of card hands and/or hands of equal strength.For example, a jackpot may be awarded to a player having a flush,straight, or other hand when the gaming machine against which he or sheis playing also has the same type of hand. The same or an even largerjackpot may also be awarded to the player when the player and themachine both have the exact same rank, for example, a king highstraight.

[0281] In another embodiment, to qualify for a jackpot payout, a playermust win two or more consecutive games. By way of example, if auser-player is playing a gaming machine and wins two or more consecutivegames of video-poker, the player may win a jackpot. In one embodiment,the jackpot that is paid to a player increases as the number of gameswon increases. In one embodiment, once a player wins a jackpot theplayer may be permitted to rollover that jackpot in an attempt to win alarger jackpot if the player wins the next consecutive game or games.For example, if a player is awarded a first jackpot for winning threeconsecutive games, the player may be permitted to wager that jackpot. Ifthe player then wins a fourth or additional consecutive games, theplayer may be awarded a much larger jackpot. If the player loses thenext game or contest(s), the player may lose the original jackpot thathe or she won and then wagered.

[0282] In one embodiment, to qualify for a jackpot payout, a player musthave cards or a hand meeting predetermined criteria after wining one ormore previous games. For example, a player may be rewarded with ajackpot if the player has a poker hand ranking greater than 3of-a-kindafter the player won three consecutive poker games.

[0283] In one or more embodiments, in the event a player or playersqualifies for a first jackpot, the player or players may qualify for anadditional (second) jackpot or other additional payout or amount uponmeeting certain criteria. This second jackpot may be larger or smallerthan the first jackpot and larger or smaller than any original payout.

[0284] In one embodiment, a player is entitled to a second jackpot orpayout if he or she wins a game or games after winning a first jackpot.

[0285] In another embodiment, a player is entitled to a second jackpotor payout if he or she has cards or a hand meeting certain criteriaafter winning a first jackpot.

[0286] As stated above, the particular size of the jackpot or otheraward may vary. For example, a user-player may be rewarded with a largerjackpot when the player is required to win 4 games in a row than thejackpot that is paid when the player is only required to win 3 games ina row. The size of the jackpot may also depend on the amount bet by theplayer, the size of a pot of a game or games, or other factors. Thejackpot may also comprise a pot created or based upon bets made by oneor more players or one or more games, in what is known as a“progressive” arrangement. In such an arrangement, the jackpot maybecome very large if a jackpot paying situation does not arise for along period of time.

Examples of Multiple Contest Play

[0287] Four example embodiments of the invention in which a player mayplace more than one bet, may have the opportunity to play two or morecontests, may win more than one payout based on more than onecombination of cards or hands of cards, and may win a jackpot payout,are illustrated in FIGS. 24-28 and described in detail below.

[0288]FIG. 24 illustrates one embodiment of the invention in which onecontest that is played is Omaha Hold'em (described in greater detailabove) and the possibility exits for a player to play one or moreadditional contests with one or more cards from the Omaha Hold'em game.The description of this embodiment of the invention will be made withreference to the play of the contest(s) by a single user-player, itbeing understood that one or more players may play one another and/or amachine or the house.

[0289] Referring to FIG. 24, after the start of the game, the four holeor pocket cards are dealt to the user-player for use in the OmahaHold'em game, and if appropriate, another game or games in a step S1. Ina step S2, a determination is made as to whether the user-player isentitled to play an additional game or contest, such as a game orcontest A. If so, such as, for example, if the user-player placed afirst bonus bet, in a step S3 the additional contest is played (the termbonus bet is intended to mean a bet placed to obtain the right to playan additional contest or games). This additional contest may comprise,for example, a video-poker type game in which the user-player's fourhole cards are compared against a predetermined payout table orcriteria, such as that illustrated in FIG. 19.

[0290] After play of the additional contest in step S3, or in the eventthe player was not entitled to play the additional contest A, in a stepS4 betting begins in the Omaha Hold'em game.

[0291] In the event the user-player folds in the first round of betting,in a step S5 it is determined whether the player is entitled to play anadditional contest, such as a contest B. If not, in a step S6 the gameterminates for that player. If so, for example if the player placed anappropriate second bonus bet, then in a step S7 the player plays theadditional contest B. This contest may comprise, for example, avideo-poker type game in which another players or a machine's four holecards are compared against a predetermined payout schedule.

[0292] In the event the user-player remains active through the firstround of betting, then in a step S8, three community cards are dealt. Asecond round of betting then ensues in a step S9. If the user-playerfolds in this round, then in a step S10 it is determined whether theplayer is entitled to play an additional contest, for example a contestC. If not, then in a step S11 the game terminates for that player. Ifso, for example if the player placed an appropriate third bonus bet,then the user-player is permitted to participate in the additionalcontest C in a step 12. This contest may comprise, for example, avideo-poker type game in which the user-player's best five cards fromthe player's hole cards and the community cards are compared against apredetermined payoff table (for example that illustrated in FIG. 18) ina video-poker type format.

[0293] Regardless of the outcome of the additional contest, in a stepS13 a determination is made as to whether the player is entitled tocumulative game play. “Cumulative game play” as used herein refers to aplayer being permitted to play more than one additional contestsimultaneously, or in sequence, at any point in a game. If not, then ina step S14, the game is terminated for that player. If so, for exampleif the player placed second and third bonus bets, the player is alsopermitted to participate in another additional contest, for examplecontest B in step S7.

[0294] If the player remains active through the second round of betting,then in a step S15 a fourth community card is dealt. In step S16, athird round of betting ensues. If the user-player folds, then in a stepS17, a determination is made as to whether the player is entitled toparticipate in an additional contest, for example a contest D. If not,then the game is terminated for that player in a step S18. If so, forexample if the player placed a fourth bonus bet, then in a step S19 theplayer is permitted to participate in the additional contest D. Thiscontest may comprise, for example, a video-poker type game in which theuser-player's best five cards from the player's four hole cards and fourcommunity cards are compared against a predetermined payout table.

[0295] Regardless of the outcome of the contest D, in a step S20 adetermination is made as to whether the player is entitled to cumulativegame play. If not, then in a step S21 the game is terminated as to thatplayer. If so, then the player is permitted to participate in anothergame, for example contest C in step S12, as described above. Inaddition, the player may be entitled to participate in contest B viastep S13, as also described above.

[0296] If the player remains active through the third round of betting,then in a step S22 the fifth and final community card is dealt. In astep S23, a fourth round of betting ensues. If the user-player folds,then in a step S24, a determination is made as to whether the player isentitled to participate in an additional contest, for example a contestE. If not, then the game is terminated for that player in a step S25. Ifso, for example if the player placed a fifth bonus bet, then in a stepS26 the player is permitted to participate in the contest E. Thiscontest may comprise, for example, a video-poker type game in which theuser-player's best five cards from the player's four hole cards and fivecommunity cards are compared against a predetermined payout table (forexample, that illustrated in FIG. 20).

[0297] Regardless of the outcome of the contest E, in a step S27 adetermination is made as to whether the player is entitled to cumulativegame play. If not, then in a step S28 the game is terminated as to thatplayer. If so, then the player is permitted to participate in anothergame, for example the contest D in a step S19, as described above. Inaddition, the player may be entitled to participate in contests C and Bvia steps S20 and S13, as also described above.

[0298] If the player remains active, the winner of the Omaha Hold'emgame is determined in a showdown in step S29. In the event theuser-player loses, in a step S30 a determination is made as to whetherthe player is entitled to participate in an additional contest, forexample a contest F. If not, then the game is terminated for that playerin a step S31. If so, for example if the player placed a sixth bonusbet, then in a step S32 the player is permitted to participate in thecontest F. This contest may comprise, for example, a video-poker typegame in which the user-player's best four and five card hands from theplayer's four hole cards and five community cards are compared against apredetermined payout table.

[0299] Regardless of the outcome of the contest F, in a step S33 adetermination is made as to whether the player is entitled to cumulativegame play. If not, then in a step S34 the game is terminated as to thatplayer. If so, then the player is permitted to participate in anothergame, for example the contest E in a step S26, as described above. Inaddition, the player may be entitled to participate in contests D, C andB via steps S27, S20 and S13, as also described above.

[0300] In the event the user-player wins the showdown, then adetermination is made as to whether the user-player is entitled toparticipate in additional contest F in a step S 30, in like manner tothe loser(s) of the showdown. In a step S35 a determination is made asto whether the user-player is entitled to participate in an additionalcontest, for example contest G. If not, in a step S36 the gameterminates for the player. If so, for example if the player placed anappropriate seventh bonus bet, the player is permitted to participate inthe contest Gin a step S37. This contest may comprise, for example, avideo-poker type game in which another player's or a machine's best fivecard hand from its hole and community cards is compared against apredetermined payout table. The game then terminates at step S38.

[0301] If the user-player wins the showdown in step S29, the player maybe entitled to the betting pot or other payout. If the user-player winsany of the additional contests in which the player participates, theplayer may be awarded a payout. The user-player may also be entitled toa jackpot. As an example, if the player wins one or more additionalcontests ( ex. F, E, D, C and B) the player may be entitled to a jackpotamount in addition to the amount(s) paid for winning each of thesecontests individually.

[0302]FIG. 25 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which onecontest that is played is Texas Hold'em (described in more detail above)and the possibility exits for a player to play one or more additionalcontests with one or more cards from the Texas Hold'em game. Thedescription of this embodiment of the invention will be made withreference to the play of the contest(s) by a single user-player, itbeing understood that one or more players may play one another and/or amachine or the house.

[0303] Referring to FIG. 25, after the start of the game in a step S101,the two hole or pocket cards are dealt to the user-player for use in theTexas Hold'em game, and if appropriate, another game or games. In a stepS102, a determination is made as to whether the user-player is entitledto play an additional contest, for example a contest A. If so, forexample if the user-player placed a first bonus bet, in a step S103 thecontest A is played. This contest may comprise, for example, avideo-poker type game in which the user-player's two hole cards arecompared against a predetermined payout table or criteria (for examplethat illustrated in FIG. 22).

[0304] An example of the play of this additional contest A isillustrated in FIG. 26. In a first step S201, the two hole or pocketcards of the user-player are compared to a predetermined two card payouttable. In the event the user-player's cards comprise “winning” cards,then in a step S202 a payout is awarded the user-player and in a stepS204 play of the main game resumes. In the event the user-player's cardscomprise “losing” cards, then in a step S203 it is determined that theuser-player is not entitled to a payout and in step S204 play of themain game resumes.

[0305] After play of the contest A in step S103, or in the event theplayer was not entitled to play the game, in a step S104 betting beginsin the Texas Hold'em game.

[0306] In the event the user-player folds in the first round of betting,in a step S105 it is determined whether the player is entitled to playan additional contest, for example a contest B. If not, in a step S106the game terminates for that player. If so, for example if the playerplaced an appropriate second bonus bet, then in a step S107 the playerplays the additional contest B. This contest may comprise, for example,a video-poker type game in which another player's or the machine's twohole cards are compared against a predetermined payout schedule.

[0307] In the event the user-player remains active through the firstround of betting, then in a step S108, three community cards are dealt.A second round of betting then ensues in a step S109. If the user-playerfolds in this round, then in a step S110 it is determined whether theplayer is entitled to play an additional contest, for example a contestC. If not, then in a step S111 the game terminates for that player. Ifso, for example if the player placed an appropriate third bonus bet,then the user-player is permitted to participate in additional contest Cin a step S112. This contest may comprise, for example, a video-pokertype game in which the user-player's best five cards from the player'shole cards and the community cards are compared against a predeterminedpayoff table (for example that illustrated in FIG. 18) in a video-pokertype format.

[0308] Regardless of the outcome of the additional contest C, in a stepS113 a determination is made as to whether the player is entitled tocumulative game play. If not, then in a step S114, the game isterminated for that player. If so, for example if the player placedsecond and third bonus bets, the player is also permitted to participatein an additional contest, for example contest B in step S107.

[0309] If the player remains active through the second round of betting,then in a step S115 a fourth community card is dealt. In step S116, athird round of betting ensues. If the user-player folds, then in a stepS117, a determination is made as to whether the player is entitled toparticipate in an additional contest, for example a contest D. If not,then the game is terminated for that player in a step S118. If so, forexample if the player placed a fourth bonus bet, then in a step S119 theplayer is permitted to participate in additional contest D. This contestmay comprise, for example, a video-poker type game in which theuser-player's best five cards from the player's two hole cards and fourcommunity cards are compared against a predetermined payout table.

[0310] Regardless of the outcome of the contest D, in a step S120 adetermination is made as to whether the player is entitled to cumulativegame play. If not, then in a step S121 the game is terminated as to thatplayer. If so, then the player is permitted to participate in anadditional contest, for example contest C in step S112, as describedabove. In addition, the player may be entitled to participate in contestB via step S113, as also described above.

[0311] If the player remains active through the third round of betting,then in a step S122 the fifth and final community card is dealt. In astep S123, a fourth round of betting ensues. If the user-player folds,then in a step S24, a determination is made as to whether the player isentitled to participate in an additional contest, for example a contestE. If not, then the game is terminated for that player in a step S125.If so, for example if the player placed a fifth bonus bet, then in astep S126 the player is permitted to participate in contest E. Thiscontest may comprise, for example, a video-poker type game in which theuser-players best five cards from the player's two hole cards and fivecommunity cards are compared against a predetermined payout table.

[0312] Regardless of the outcome of the contest E, in a step S127 adetermination is made as to whether the player is entitled to cumulativegame play. If not, then in a step S128 the game is terminated as to thatplayer. If so, then the player is permitted to participate in anadditional contest, for example contest D in a step S119, as describedabove. In addition, the player may be entitled to participate incontests C and B via steps S120 and S113, as also described above.

[0313] If the player remains active, the winner of the Texas Hold'emgame is determined in a showdown in step S129. In the event theuser-player loses, then in a step S130, a determination is made as towhether the player is entitled to participate in an additional contest,for example a contest F. If not, then the game is terminated for thatplayer in a step S131. If so, for example if the player placed a sixthbonus bet, then in a step S132 the player is permitted to participate incontest F. This contest may comprise, for example, a video-poker typegame in which the user-player's best two and five card hands from theplayer's two hole cards and five community cards are compared against apredetermined payout table.

[0314] Regardless of the outcome of the contest F, in a step S133 adetermination is made as to whether the player is entitled to cumulativegame play. If not, then in a step S134 the game is terminated as to thatplayer. If so, then the player is permitted to participate in anadditional contest, for example contest E in a step S126, as describedabove. In addition, the player may be entitled to participate incontests D, C and B via steps S127, S120 and S113, as also describedabove.

[0315] In the event the user-player wins the showdown, then adetermination is made as to whether the user-player is entitled toparticipate in additional contest F in a step S130, in like manner tothe loser(s) of the showdown. In a step S135 a determination is made asto whether the user-player is entitled to participate in an additionalcontest, for example a contest G. If not, in a step S136 the gameterminates for the player. If so, for example if the player placed anappropriate seventh bonus bet, the player is permitted to participate inthe contest G in a step S137. This contest may comprise, for example, avideo-poker type game in which another player's or a machine's best fivecard hand from its hole and community cards is compared against apredetermined payout table. The game then ends in a step S138.

[0316] If the user-player wins the showdown in step S129, the player maybe entitled to the betting pot or other payout. If the user-player winsany of the additional contests in which the player participates, theplayer may be awarded a payout. The user-player may also be entitled toa jackpot. As an example, if the player wins one or more additionalcontests (ex. F, E, D, C and B) the player may be entitled to a jackpotamount in addition to the amount(s) paid for winning each of thesecontests individually.

[0317]FIG. 27 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which onecontest that is played is Seven Card Stud (described in more detailabove) and the possibility exits for a player to play one or moreadditional contests with one or more cards from the Seven Card Studgame. The description of this embodiment of the invention will be madewith reference to the play of the contest(s) by a single user-player, itbeing understood that one or more players may play one another and/or amachine or the house.

[0318] Referring to FIG. 27, after the start of the game in a step S301,the two hole or pocket cards are dealt face-down and a third card isdealt face-up to the user-player for use in the Seven Card Stud game,and if appropriate, another game or games. In a step S302, adetermination is made as to whether the user-player is entitled to playan additional game or contest, for example a contest A. If so, forexample if the user-player placed a first bonus bet, in a step S303 thecontest A is played. This contest may comprise, for example, avideo-poker type game in which the user-players three cards are comparedagainst a predetermined payout table or criteria (for example thatillustrated in FIG. 23).

[0319] After play of the contest A in step S303, or in the event theplayer was not entitled to play the game, in a step S304 betting beginsin the Seven Card Stud game.

[0320] In the event the user-player folds in the first round of betting,in a step S305 it is determined whether the player is entitled to playan additional contest, for example a contest B. If not, in a step S306the game terminates for that player. If so, for example if the playerplaced an appropriate second bonus bet, then in a step S307 the playerplays the additional contest B. This contest may comprise, for example,a video-poker type game in which another player's or a machine's threecards are compared against a predetermined payout schedule.

[0321] In the event the user-player remains active through the firstround of betting, then in a step S308, another card is dealt face-upcard to each player. A second round of betting then ensues in a stepS309. If the user-player folds in this round, then in a step S310 adetermination is made as to whether the player is entitled to play anadditional contest, for example a contest C. If not, then in a step S311the game terminates for that player. If so, for example if the playerplaced an appropriate third bonus bet, then the user-player ispermitting to participate in additional contest C in a step 312. Thiscontest may comprise, for example, a video-poker type game in which theuser-player's four cards are compared against a predetermined payofftable in a video-poker type format.

[0322] Regardless of the outcome of the additional contest C, in a stepS313 a determination is made as to whether the player is entitled tocumulative game play. If not, then in a step S314, the game isterminated for that player. If so, for example if the player placedsecond and third bonus bets, the player is also permitted to participatein an additional contest, for example contest B in step S307.

[0323] If the player remains active through the second round of betting,then in a step S315 another card is dealt face-up to each player. Instep S316, a third round of betting ensues. If the user-player folds,then in a step S317, a determination is made as to whether the player isentitled to participate in an additional contest, for example a contestD. If not, then the game is terminated for that player in a step S318.If so, for example if the player placed a fourth bonus bet, then in astep S319 the player is permitted to participate in additional contestD. This contest may comprise, for example, a video-poker type game inwhich the user-players five cards are compared against a predeterminedpayout table.

[0324] Regardless of the outcome of the contest D, in a step S320 adetermination is made as to whether the player is entitled to cumulativegame play. If not, then in a step S321 the game is terminated as to thatplayer. If so, then the player is permitted to participate in anadditional contest, for example contest C in step S312, as describedabove. In addition, the player may be entitled to participate in contestB via step S313, as also described above.

[0325] If the player remains active through the third round of betting,then in a step S322 another card is dealt face-up to each player. In astep S323, a fourth round of betting ensues. If the user-player folds,then in a step S324, a determination is made as to whether the player isentitled to participate in an additional contest, for example a contestE. If not, then the game is terminated for that player in a step S325.If so, for example if the player placed a fifth bonus bet, then in astep S326 the player is permitted to participate in contest E. Thiscontest may comprise, for example, a video-poker type game in which theuser-player's best five card hand from the player's six cards iscompared against a predetermined payout table.

[0326] Regardless of the outcome of the contest E, in a step S327 adetermination is made as to whether the player is entitled to cumulativegame play. If not, then in a step S328 the game is terminated as to thatplayer. If so, then the player is permitted to participate in anadditional contest, for example contest D in a step S319, as describedabove. In addition, the player may be entitled to participate incontests C and B via steps S320 and S313, as also described above.

[0327] If the player remains active through the fourth round of betting,then in a step S329 a final card is dealt face-down to each player. In astep S330, a fifth round of betting ensues. If the user-player folds,then in a step S331, a determination is made as to whether the player isentitled to participate in an additional contest, for example a contestF. If not, then the game is terminated for that player in a step S332.If so, for example if the player placed a sixth bonus bet, then in astep S333 the player is permitted to participate in contest F. Thiscontest may comprise, for example, a video-poker type game in which theuser-player's best five card from the player's seven cards is comparedagainst a predetermined payout table (for example that illustrated inFIG. 18).

[0328] Regardless of the outcome of the contest F, in a step S334 adetermination is made as to whether the player is entitled to cumulativegame play. If not, then in a step S335 the game is terminated as to thatplayer. If so, then the player is permitted to participate in anadditional contest, for example contest E in a step S326, as describedabove. In addition, the player may be entitled to participate incontests D, C and B via steps S327, S320 and S313, as also describedabove.

[0329] If the player remains active, the winner of the Seven Card Studgame is determined in a showdown in step S336. In the event theuser-player loses, then in a step S337, a determination is made as towhether the player is entitled to participate in an additional contest,for example a contest G. If not, then the game is terminated for thatplayer in a step S338. If so, for example if the player placed a seventhbonus bet, then in a step S339 the player is permitted to participate incontest G. This contest may comprise, for example, a video-poker typegame in which the user-player's best two and five card hands from theplayer's seven cards are compared against a predetermined payout table.

[0330] Regardless of the outcome of the contest G, in a step S340 adetermination is made as to whether the player is entitled to cumulativegame play. If not, then in a step S341 the game is terminated as to thatplayer. If so, then the player is permitted to participate in anadditional contest, for example contest F in a step S333, as describedabove. In addition, the player may be entitled to participate incontests E, D, C and B via steps S334, S327, S320 and S313, as alsodescribed above.

[0331] In the event the user-player wins the showdown, then adetermination is made as to whether the user-player is entitled toparticipate in additional contest G in step S337, in like manner to theloser(s) of the showdown. In a step S342 a determination is made as towhether the user-player is entitled to participate in an additionalcontest, for example a contest H. If not, in a step S343 the gameterminates for the player. If so, for example if the player placed anappropriate eighth bonus bet, the player is permitted to participate inthe contest H. This contest may comprise, for example, a video-pokertype game in which another player's or a machine's best five card handfrom its seven cards is compared against a predetermined payout table.The game then ends at step S345.

[0332] If the user-player wins the showdown in step S342, the player maybe entitled to the betting pot or other payout. If the user-player winsany of the additional contests in which the player participates, theplayer may be awarded a payout. The user-player may also be entitled toa jackpot. As an example, if the player wins one or more additionalcontests (ex. G, F, E, D, C and B) the player may be entitled to ajackpot amount in addition to the amount(s) paid for winning each ofthese contests individually.

[0333]FIG. 28 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which onecontest that is played is Five Card Stud (described in more detailabove) and the possibility exits for a player to play one or moreadditional contests with one or more cards from the Five Card Stud game.The description of this embodiment of the invention will be made withreference to the play of the contest(s) by a single user-player, itbeing understood that one or more players may play one another and/or amachine or the house.

[0334] Referring to FIG. 28, after the start of the game in a step S401,a first face-down card, and a second face-up card, are dealt to eachplayer for use in the Five Card Stud game, and if appropriate, anothercontest of contests. In a step S402, a determination is made as towhether the user-player is entitled to play an additional contest, forexample a contest A. If so, for example if the user-player placed afirst bonus bet, in a step S403 the contest A is played. This contestmay comprise, for example, a video-poker type game in which theuser-player's two cards are compared against a predetermined payouttable or criteria.

[0335] After play of the contest A in step S403, or in the event theplayer was not entitled to play the game, in a step S404 betting beginsin the Five Card Stud game.

[0336] In the event the user-player folds in the first round of betting,in a step S405 it is determined whether the player is entitled to playan additional contest, for example a contest B. If not, in a step S406the game terminates for that player. If so, for example if the playerplaced an appropriate second bonus bet, then in a step S407 the playerplays the additional contest B. This contest may comprise, for example,a video-poker type game in which another player's or the machine's twocards are compared against a predetermined payout schedule.

[0337] In the event the user-player remains active through the firstround of betting, then in a step S408 a third card is dealt, face-up, toeach player. A second round of betting then ensues in a step S409. Ifthe user-player folds in this round, then in a step S410 it isdetermined whether the player is entitled to play an additional contest,for example a contest C. If not, then in a step S411 the game terminatesfor that player. If so, for example if the player placed an appropriatethird bonus bet, then the user-player is permitting to participate inadditional contest C in a step 412. This contest may comprise, forexample, a video-poker type game in which the user-player's three cardsare compared against a predetermined payoff table in a video-poker typeformat.

[0338] Regardless of the outcome of the additional contest C, in a stepS413 a determination is made as to whether the player is entitled tocumulative game play. If not, then in a step S414, the game isterminated for that player. If so, for example if the player placedsecond and third bonus bets, the player is permitted to participate inan additional contest, for example contest B in step S407.

[0339] If the player remains active through the second round of betting,then in a step S415 a fourth card is dealt, face-up, to each player. Instep S416, a third round of betting ensues. If the user-player folds,then in a step S417, a determination is made as to whether the player isentitled to participate in an additional contest, for example a contestD. If not, then the game is terminated for that player in a step S418.If so, for example if the player placed a fourth bonus bet, then in astep S419 the player is permitted to participate in additional contestD. This contest may comprise, for example, a video-poker type game inwhich the user-player's four cards are compared against a predeterminedpayout table.

[0340] Regardless of the outcome of the contest D, in a step S420 adetermination is made as to whether the player is entitled to cumulativegame play. If not, then in a step S421 the game is terminated as to thatplayer. If so, then the player is permitted to participate in anadditional contest, for example contest C in step S412, as describedabove. In addition, the player may be entitled to participate in contestB via step S413, as also described above.

[0341] If the player remains active through the third round of betting,then in a step S422 a fifth and final card is dealt to each player,face-up. In a step S423, a fourth round of betting ensues. If theuser-player folds, then in a step S424, a determination is made as towhether the player is entitled to participate in an additional contest,for example a contest E. If not, then the game is terminated for thatplayer in a step S425. If so, for example if the player placed a fifthbonus bet, then in a step S426 the player is permitted to participate incontest E. This contest may comprise, for example, a video-poker typegame in which the user-player's best five cards are compared against apredetermined payout table (for example that illustrated in FIG. 17).

[0342] Regardless of the outcome of the contest E, in a step S427 adetermination is made as to whether the player is entitled to cumulativegame play. If not, then in a step S428 the game is terminated as to thatplayer. If so, then the player is permitted to participate in anadditional contest, for example contest D in a step S419, as describedabove. In addition, the player may be entitled to participate incontests C and B via steps S420 and S413, as also described above.

[0343] If the player remains active, the winner of the Five Card Studgame is determined in a showdown in step S429. In the event theuser-player loses, then in a step S430, a determination is made as towhether the player is entitled to participate in an additional contest,for example a contest F. If not, then the game is terminated for thatplayer in a step S431. If so, for example if the player placed a sixthbonus bet, then in a step S432 the player is permitted to participate incontest F. This contest may comprise, for example, a video-poker typegame in which the user-player's lowest five card hand is comparedagainst a predetermined payout table.

[0344] Regardless of the outcome of the contest F, in a step S433 adetermination is made as to whether the player is entitled to cumulativegame play. If not, then in a step S434 the game is terminated as to thatplayer. If so, then the player is permitted to participate in anadditional contest, for example contest E in a step S426, as describedabove. In addition, the player may be entitled to participate incontests D, C and B via steps S427, S420 and S413, as also describedabove.

[0345] In the event the user-player wins the showdown, then adetermination is made as to whether the user-player is entitled toparticipate in additional contest F in a step S430, in like manner tothe loser(s) of the showdown. In a step S435 a determination is made asto whether the user-player is entitled to participate in an additionalcontest, for example a contest G. If not, in a step S436 the gameterminates for the player. If so, for example if the player placed anappropriate seventh bonus bet, the player is permitted to participate inthe contest G in a step S437. This contest may comprise, for example, avideo-poker type game in which another player's or a machine's best fivecard hand is compared against a predetermined payout table. The gamethen ends in a step S438.

[0346] If the user-player wins the showdown in step S429, the player maybe entitled to the betting pot or other payout. If the user-player winsany of the additional contests in which the player participates, theplayer may be awarded a payout. The user-player may also be entitled toa jackpot. As an example, if the player wins one or more additionalcontests (ex. F, E, D, C and B) the player may be entitled to a jackpotamount in addition to the amount(s) paid for winning each of thesecontests individually.

[0347] The above descriptions are examples of embodiments of theinvention and the invention is not limited to these arrangements. Forexample, the particular additional contests which are played may vary,as may the payouts, game play, the criteria used to determine whether aplayer is permitted to play additional contests, etc.

Slot Machine Embodiments of the Invention

[0348] Many of the contests, games, game combinations and aspects of thegames or combinations of the present invention may be implemented intable play or with a computer or other electro or electromechanicalmachine.

[0349]FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate slot machine embodiments of the gamingsystem of the invention. It will be understood that the features shownfor the embodiments of FIGS. 29 and 30 are by way of example, only. Slotmachine embodiments of the invention may have any variety of otherconfigurations, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0350]FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram illustrating the functionalcomponents in one slot machine embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 30, the functional components in this embodiment include a CPU unit1800, a cash accumulator/controller 1810, a coin input mechanism 1820, abill reader 1840, a coin payout mechanism 1830, a control panel 1860, atouch-screen display 1850, and light and sound emitters 1870.

[0351] CPU unit 1800 contains a microprocessor such as, for example, aPentium^(a) processor from Intel, along with associated software,components and peripherals, such as main memory, video graphics adapter,sound card, mass storage, and input/output interfaces, that allow CPUunit 1800 to function as an intelligent controller of the slot machineunit. CPU unit 1800 monitors user input, generates strategies for andcontrols actions of one or more simulated players, determines outcomesof games, and controls payout of user winnings.

[0352] Cash accumulator/controller 1810 monitors a user's cash inputfrom coin input mechanism 1820 and bill reader 1840, and controls cashpayout to a user provided by coin payout mechanism 1830, all under thecontrol of CPU unit 1800.

[0353] Display 1850, which may, for example, be a CRT or LCD or othertype of display, displays output to the user, such as, for example,images of cards dealt to a user, images of cards dealt to the simulatedplayer(s), information concerning the state of the game, the size of thepot, the actions available to the user, etc. In the embodiment of FIG.30, display 1850 is a touch screen display that accepts touch input froma user. In this embodiment, a user can indicate the user's desiredactions by touching corresponding images displayed on the displayscreen. For example, the user may indicate cards to hold during adrawing phase of a game by touching the cards the user wishes to hold.Preferably, visual feedback is provided to the user to confirm that theuser's touch screen input has been recognized. For example, the receiptof a touch screen input may be indicated by highlighting the image (e.g.a card selected for holding) underlying the position at which the usertouches the screen.

[0354] In addition to a touch-screen, the embodiment of FIG. 30 alsocontains a control panel 1860 that may be used as an alternate means toprovide user input. Control panel 1860 may, for example, consist of apanel containing a number of button switches. Each button corresponds toone or more user actions. A user chooses a desired action by pressingthe appropriate button. In one embodiment, a user may indicate desireduser actions by touching an appropriate area on touch screen 1850 and/orby pressing an appropriate button on control panel 1860.

[0355] Light/sound emitter 1870 is used to provide sound and lightoutput. For example, light/sound emitter 1870 in one embodiment includesa flashing light and emits the sound of a bell ringing to indicate thatthe user has won a game.

[0356] The system of FIG. 30 may include other features found on slotmachines as are known in the art.

[0357]FIG. 29 illustrates the outward appearance of one embodiment of acard playing slot machine system such as the system of FIG. 30. As shownin FIG. 29, this slot machine comprises a housing 1700 which containsfunctional components of the system, for example components 1800-1870 ofFIG. 30. The input and output interfaces with a user are situated on thefront of housing 1700. These input and output interfaces include adisplay screen 1710 (which may be a touch-screen display), a controlpanel 1720, a bill reader 1760, and a coin output tray 1775. The frontof housing 1700 also includes a first and second billboard display areas1705 and 1780, respectively.

[0358] First billboard display area 1705 comprises a backlit displaycontaining graphics. The graphics are intended to attract players to thegame, and may, for example, include the name of the game played by theslot machine system. The slot machine system may, for example, play fivecard draw poker. In one embodiment, the slot machine system allows auser to play a simulated poker game against an intelligent, simulatedplayer. In another embodiment, the slot machine system allows a playerto play simultaneously against an intelligent, simulated player andagainst a video-poker style payoff table. If the slot machine systemprovides combined play against a simulated opponent and a payoff table,display area 1705 may include a depiction of the payoff table 1715.Display area 1705 may also include flashing lights that are activatedwhen a user wins a game.

[0359] Second display area 1780 provides an area in which additionalgraphics may be displayed. Second display area 1780 includes bill reader1760 that is used to accept cash bills from a user.

[0360] Display 1710 is a CRT or LCD display that provides output to,and, in the case of an embodiment in which display 1710 is a touchscreen display, accepts input from, a user as described with respect todisplay 1850 of FIG. 30.

[0361] Control panel 1720 includes a coin slot 1740 for accepting coinsfrom a user and a number of button switches that the user may activateto indicate desired user actions. In the embodiment of FIG. 29, thebuttons include a “call” button 1725, a “raise/bet” button 1730, an“ante” button 1765, a “fold/check” button 1730, five “hold” buttons1735, a “draw” button 1745, a “cashout” button 1750, and a “game select”button 1755. Call button 1725 is activated by a user to indicate adesired call action. Raise/bet button 1730 is activated by a user toindicate a desired raise or bet action, depending on the state of thegame. Ante button 1765 is activated by a user to debit the amountrequired for an ante from a balance of money deposited by the user intothe slot machine system via coin slot 1740 or bill reader 1760, therebyinitiating a new game. Fold/check button 1730 is activated by a user toindicate a desired fold or check action, depending on the state of thegame. Hold buttons 1735 are used to indicate cards that the user wishesto hold prior to a draw. There is one hold button for each card in auser's hand. In the embodiment of FIG. 29, there are five hold buttons1735, corresponding to a five-card game such as five card draw. Drawbutton 1745 is used by a user to initiate a draw, such that the user isdealt a new card for each card discarded (i.e. for the cards the userhas indicated the user does not wish to hold). Cashout button 1750 isused by a user to obtain a payout, in cash, of any balance remaining tothe user's account. The cashout amount is paid out to the user bydepositing coins in payout tray 1775. Game select button 1755 is used bya user to select the desired game to play in embodiments that allow auser to select from different games. For example, in one embodiment,game select button 1755 allows a user to select optional play against apayoff table in addition to play against a simulated, intelligentopponent.

[0362] In one embodiment, the available actions available to a user anany stage of a game are indicated by lighting up only those buttonscorresponding to the available actions.

[0363] Thus, a game system and a method of playing one or more gameshave been presented.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of playing a plurality of contestscomprising the steps of: providing first sets of cards each comprisingat least one card to each of one or more players participating in afirst contest; playing a first contest with said first sets of cards;playing at least one additional contest with one or more playersparticipating in said first contest, said at least one additionalcontest played with at least one card from said first sets of cards. 2.The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one of saidplayers of said first and/or second contests is a dealer.
 3. The methodin accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one of said players of saidfirst and/or second contests comprises an intelligent or non-intelligentgaming system.
 4. The method in accordance with claim 1 including thestep of said one or more players participating in said first contestplacing at least one bet.
 5. The method in accordance with claim 1wherein at least one of said first or second contests comprises a pokercontest.
 6. The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least oneof said first or second contests comprises a video-poker type contest inwhich winners are determined based on comparison of one or more cards ofa player to a predetermined payout schedule.
 7. The method in accordancewith claim 5 wherein both of said first and second contests comprise apoker contest and cards used by a player participating in said secondcontest comprise a hand of cards dealt to said player whileparticipating in said first contest.
 8. The method in accordance withclaims 1 or 6 comprising the additional step of preventing a player whoparticipated in but did not complete the first contest fromparticipating in said second contest.
 9. The method in accordance withclaims 1 or 6 wherein said one or more players participating in saidsecond contest comprise winning player(s) of said first contest.
 10. Themethod in accordance with claim 1 wherein a winner of said first contestis awarded a first payout and a winner of said second contest is awardeda second payout.
 11. The method in accordance with claim 10 wherein aplayer is awarded a jackpot payout upon meeting one or morepredetermined criteria.
 12. The method in accordance with claims 1 or 6wherein a player is awarded a jackpot payout when said player has a setof one or more cards or a hand of cards in a first of said first andsecond contests which meets a predetermined criteria but which did notresult in said player being declared a winner of said contest.
 13. Themethod in accordance with claims 1 or 6 wherein a player of said firstand/or second contest is awarded a jackpot payout when a set of cardsbelonging to said player and a set of cards belonging to another playercomprise a predetermined combination of cards.
 14. The method inaccordance with claim 13, wherein said another player comprises amachine against which said at least one player is playing.
 15. Themethod in accordance with claims 1 or 6 wherein at least one player ofsaid first and/or second contest is awarded a jackpot payout when a handof one player is the same rank as a hand of another player.
 16. Themethod in accordance with claim 15 wherein said jackpot payout increasesas said rank increases.
 17. The method in accordance with claims 1 or 6wherein a player is awarded a jackpot payout if said player wins apredetermined number of consecutive contests.
 18. The method inaccordance with claims 1 or 6 wherein a player is awarded a jackpotpayout if said player wins one more previous contests and has a set ofcards meeting a predetermined criteria.
 19. The method in accordancewith claim 18 wherein said player is awarded an additional payout afterbeing awarded said jackpot payout when said player wins one or moresubsequent contests after being awarded said jackpot payout.
 20. Themethod in accordance with claim 11 wherein said player is awarded anadditional payout after being awarded said jackpot payout when saidplayer has a set of one or more cards meeting a predetermined criteria.21. The method in accordance with claim 6 wherein said other contestcomprises draw poker.
 22. The method in accordance with claim 6 whereina player of said video-poker type contest is a winner when a set of oneor more cards belonging to another player comprise winning cards inaccordance with a predetermined payout schedule.
 23. The method inaccordance with claim 22 wherein said other player comprises anintelligent or non-intelligent machine.
 24. The method in accordancewith claim 6 wherein said other contest comprises Texas Hold'em, andwherein said method includes the step of dealing one or more communitycards.
 25. The method in accordance with claim 24 wherein a player ofsaid video-poker type contest is a winner when a set of cards comprisingone or more of said community cards and/or one or more cards belongingto said player comprises a winning set of cards in accordance with apredetermined payout schedule.
 26. The method in accordance with claim 6wherein said other contest comprises Pineapple Hold'em, and said methodcomprises the step of dealing one or more community cards.
 27. Themethod in accordance with claim 26 wherein a player of said video-pokertype contest is a winner when a set of cards comprising one or more ofsaid community cards and/or one or more cards belonging to said playercomprises a winning set of cards in accordance with a predeterminedpayout schedule.
 28. The method in accordance with claim 6 wherein saidother contest comprises Seven Card Stud.
 29. The method in accordancewith claim 28 wherein a player of said video-poker type contest is awinner when a set of one or more cards dealt to said player in saidSeven Card Stud contest comprises a winning set of cards in accordancewith a predetermined payout schedule.
 30. The method in accordance withclaim 29 wherein said method comprises the step of dealing three cardsface down and four cards face-up to said one or more players of saidSeven Card Stud contest and a player of said video-poker type contest isa winner when a set of cards comprising one or more of said face-upcards belonging to said player comprises a winning set of cards inaccordance with a predetermined payout schedule.
 31. The method inaccordance with claim 6 wherein said other contest comprises Five CardStud.
 32. The method in accordance with claim 31 wherein a player is awinner of said video-poker type contest when a set of cards comprisingone or more of said cards dealt to said player during said Five CardStud contest comprises a winning set of cards in accordance with apredetermined payout schedule.
 33. The method in accordance with claim 6wherein said other contest comprises Omaha Hold'em, and wherein saidmethod includes the step of dealing one or more hole cards to said oneor more players of said Omaha Hold'em contest and one or more communitycards.
 34. The method in accordance with claim 33 wherein a player is awinner of said video-poker type contest when a set of cards comprisingone or more of said player's hole cards and/or one or more of saidcommunity cards, and/or another player's hole cards, comprise winningcards in accordance with a predetermined payout schedule.
 35. The methodin accordance with claim 6 wherein said other contest comprises Lowball.36. The method in accordance with claim 35 wherein a player is a winnerof said video-poker type contest when a set of cards comprising one ormore cards dealt to another player of said Lowball contest comprises awinning set of cards in accordance with a predetermined payout schedule.37. The method in accordance with claim 36 wherein said another playercomprises an intelligent or non-intelligent machine.
 38. A computergaming system comprising: a gaming engine arranged to deal first sets ofcards each comprising at least one card to each of one or more playersparticipating in a first contest, arranged to permit the playing of afirst contest with said first sets of cards, arranged to permit theplaying of at least one second contest by at least one of said playersparticipating in said first contest using at least one card from saidplayer's first set of cards; and an evaluator coupled to said gamingengine, said evaluator determining a winner of said first contest basedon a first set of criteria and a winner of said at least one secondcontest based on a second set of criteria.
 39. The gaming system inaccordance with claim 38 wherein said gaming engine includes asimulation engine arranged to play said first and/or second contestagainst one or more players.
 40. The gaming system in accordance withclaim 38 wherein said computer gaming system includes a bet acceptorcoupled to said gaming engine, said gaining system arranged so that aplayer must place one or more bets with said bet acceptor in to beallowed to play said first and/or second contest using said gamingengine.
 41. The gaming system in accordance with claim 38 wherein atleast one of said first or second contests comprises a poker contest.42. The gaming system in accordance with claim 38 wherein at least oneof said first or second contests comprises a video-poker type contest inwhich a winner is determined based on comparison of a set of one or morecards of a player to a predetermined payout schedule.
 43. The gamingsystem in accordance with claim 42 wherein both of said first and secondcontests comprise a poker contest and at least one card used by a playerparticipating in said second contest comprises a card from said player'sfirst hand of cards.
 44. The gaming system in accordance with claims 38or 42 wherein said gaming engine is arranged to prevent a player whoparticipated in but did not complete the first contest fromparticipating in said second contest.
 45. The gaming system inaccordance with claims 38 or 42 wherein a player participating in saidsecond contest comprises a wining player of said first contest.
 46. Thegaming system in accordance with claim 38 wherein said evaluator isarranged to pay a winner of said first contest a first payout and awinner of said at least one second contest a second payout.
 47. Thegaming system in accordance with claim 46 wherein said evaluator isarranged to pay a player of said first and/or second contests a jackpotpayout upon meeting one or more predetermined criteria.
 48. The gamingsystem in accordance with claims 38 or 42 wherein said evaluator isarranged to pay a player a jackpot payout when said player has a set ofone or more cards in a first of said first and second contests whichmeet a predetermined criteria but which did not result in said playerbeing declared a winner of said contest.
 49. The gaming system inaccordance with claims 38 or 42 wherein said evaluator is arranged topay a player of said first and/or second contest a jackpot payout when aset of cards belonging to said player and a set of cards belonging toanother player comprises a predetermined combination of cards.
 50. Thegaming system in accordance with claim 49, wherein said gaming engineincludes a simulation engine and said another player comprises saidsimulation engine.
 51. The gaming system in accordance with claims 38 or42 wherein said evaluator is arranged to pay at least one player of saidfirst and/or second contest a jackpot payout when a set of cards of oneplayer is the same rank as a set of cards of another player.
 52. Thegaming system in accordance with claim 51 wherein said jackpot payoutincreases as said rank increases.
 53. The gaming system in accordancewith claims 38 or 42 wherein said evaluator is arranged to pay a playerof said first and/or second contests a jackpot payout when said playerwins a predetermined number of consecutive contests.
 54. The gamingsystem in accordance with claims 38 or 42 wherein said evaluator isarranged to play a player of said first and/or second contests a jackpotpayout when said player wins one or more previous contests and has a setof cards meeting a predetermined criteria.
 55. The gaming system inaccordance with claim 54 wherein said evaluator is arranged to pay aplayer an additional payout after being awarded said jackpot payout whensaid player wins one or more subsequent contests after being awardedsaid jackpot payout.
 56. The gaming system in accordance with claim 47wherein said evaluator is arranged to pay a player an additional payoutafter being awarded said jackpot payout when said player has a set ofone or more cards meeting a predetermined criteria.
 57. The gamingsystem in accordance with claim 42 wherein said other contest comprisesdraw poker.
 58. The gaming system in accordance with claim 57 whereinsaid evaluator determines that a player of said video-poker type contestis a winner when a set of one or more cards belonging to another playercomprises a winning set of cards in accordance with a predeterminepayout schedule.
 59. The gaming system in accordance with claim 58wherein said gaming engine includes a simulation engine and said anotherplayer comprises said simulation engine.
 60. The gaming system inaccordance with claim 42 wherein said other contest comprises TexasHold'em, and wherein said gaming engine is arranged to deal one or morecommunity cards.
 61. The gaming system in accordance with claim 60wherein said evaluator determines that a player of said video-poker typecontest is a winner when a set of cards comprising one or more of saidcommunity cards and/or one or more cards belonging to said playercomprises a winning set of cards in accordance with a predeterminedpayout schedule.
 62. The gaming system in accordance with claim 42wherein said other contest comprises Pineapple Hold'em, and said gamingengine is arranged to deal one or more community cards.
 63. The gamingsystem in accordance with claim 62 wherein said evaluator determinesthat a player of said video-poker type contest is a winner when a set ofcards comprising one or more of said community cards and/or one or morecards belonging to said player comprises a winning set of cards inaccordance with a predetermined payout schedule.
 64. The gaming systemin accordance with claim 42 wherein said other contest comprises SevenCard Stud.
 65. The gaming system in accordance with claim 64 wherein aplayer of said video-poker type contest is a winner when a set of one ormore cards dealt to said player in said Seven Card Stud contestcomprises a winning set of cards in accordance with a predeterminedpayout schedule.
 66. The gaming system in accordance with claim 65wherein said gaming engine is arranged to deal three cards face down andfour cards face-up to said one or more players of said Seven Card Studcontest and said evaluator determines that a player of said video-pokertype contest is a winner when a set of one or more of said face-up cardsbelonging to said player comprises a winning set of cards in accordancewith a predetermined payout schedule.
 67. The gaming system inaccordance with claim 42 wherein said other contest comprises Five CardStud.
 68. The gaming system in accordance with claim 67 wherein saidevaluator determines that a player is a winner of said video-poker typecontest when a set of one or more of said cards dealt to said playerduring said Five Card Stud contest comprises a winning set of cards inaccordance with a predetermined payout schedule.
 69. The gaming systemin accordance with claim 42 wherein said other contest comprises OmahaHold'em, and said gaming engine is arranged to deal one or more holecards and one or more community cards.
 70. The gaming system inaccordance with claim 69 wherein said evaluator determines that a playeris a winner of said video-poker type contest when a set of one or moreof said player's hole cards and/or one or more of said community cards,and/or another player's hole cards, comprises a winning set of cards inaccordance with a predetermined payout schedule.
 71. The gaming systemin accordance with claim 42 wherein said other contest comprisesLowball.
 72. The gaming system in accordance with claim 71 wherein saidevaluator determines that a player is a winner of said video-poker typecontest when a set of one or more cards dealt to another player of saidLowball contest comprises a winning set of cards in accordance with apredetermined payout schedule.
 73. The gaming system in accordance withclaim 72 wherein said gaming engine includes a simulation engine andsaid another player comprises said simulation engine.